Owning a Black Beauty Horse: How to care for these gentle and generous Giants
The temperament of the Friesian Black Beauty horse is loyal, willing, docile and cheerful. Friesians are very people oriented, tactile, highly intelligent and incurably curious.
The Friesian’s strength and willingness makes them suitable for use as farm workhorses, (ploughing, pulling carts). Their exceptional looks and proud bearing makes them excellent for carriage driving and harness. Their agility and temperament produce great dressage and riding horses…but they do not jump, hunt or do very well at endurance.
Friesians have a long life span: 30-35 years, and sometimes even older. Stallions in their 20s often provide the highest sperm count in their careers.
Water Babies
It has been said that Friesians, being native to Friesland, which is surrounded by water, are by nature water babies. I have not found my mares all that keen to get their feathers wet or muddy, but because of their willing nature, they will always cross a stream if asked politely. Belle, the ultimate Black Beauty horse, has on occasion chosen to jump instead of wade through…her powerful dressage hind quarters propelling her from halt to flight in a surprisingly elegant leap.
Some of my other mares, less fussy and down to earth, walk through just about everything. They will even swim without lifting an ironic eyebrow if they have to.
Though Cookies
Friesians are an extremely hardy horse; they can work and maintain good condition on moderate rations. They do not require any special care, apart from lots of human contact and attention. The Friesian thrives on regular turnout and will happily live outside year round. They will wear rugs patiently if their owners are cold, otherwise they grow thick winter coats that they shed come spring.
Pets are Cool is an information Site for the Pet Lover !Includes Dogs, Horses, Cats, Birds, Pet Blog, Pet Tips and more.Friesians are though and therefore not prone to disease. They do, however, have a very high pain tolerance so keep in mind when you're Friesian displays symptoms of sickness or lameness the injury or illness is most probably already fairly advanced.
When spooked, Friesians tend to react like cats; they freeze on the spot and puff themselves up to look bigger. They have obviously not yet read the literature that insists that horses’ natural reaction to danger is to take flight. Friesians do not tend to bolt but they can sometimes spin slowly in a circle always coming back around to face the danger.
Late Bloomers but easy and versatile
Friesians take longer to mature than other horses, due to their larger bone structure. Most Friesians are not fully developed until they reach the age of six years. It is advisable to wait until your horse has reached its full height and development before starting intensive training. Belle was only backed for the first time at the age of six.
Friesians are easy to ride. They form a strong bond with their owner, but they can be ridden by a variety of people without being ruined. They were never bred with jumping in mind therefore do not have the appropriate build for it. Friesians have a slow heart rate and do not get a second wind. They are unsuited to speed or endurance disciplines.
The Friesian Black Beauty horse is extremely versatile it can excel in most other disciplines. They are excellent Western, English, drive and trail horses. They also make great as circus horses.
I could not now even contemplate living without them, they have enriched my life beyond imagination. You can read all about my first Black Beauty horse in Confidential Letters to Lady Belle.
And while we are on the subject of the "Black Beauty" Horse, you can get your copy of Anna Sewell's novel Black Beauty: an Autobiography of a Horse here:
Friesians take longer to mature than other horses, due to their larger bone structure. Most Friesians are not fully developed until they reach the age of six years. It is advisable to wait until your horse has reached its full height and development before starting intensive training. Belle was only backed for the first time at the age of six.
