A Friesian photographer shares some insights

If you read yesterday's article, you know that I ran across a treasure trove of gorgeous Friesian photos at Callyspictures.com. I was so impressed I contacted the photographer Cally Matherly -- a Friesian owner with ties to the breeding world. She travels throughout the U.S. and to the Netherlands and photographs about 400 Friesians at keurings, including many of the approved stallions. The photos on the right in this article are hers. We had a lengthy email exchange on the subject of Friesians -- she graciously shared her perspective with me.

Insights from a Friesian enthusiast
The old style Friesian, (see example on right a a mare), tends to be downhill, with short front legs and a steep shoulder that makes extended work difficult. Just below that picture is another of "a very sporty" approved stallion--modern, tall, and built uphill.

There is a down-side to the modern silhouette, however. In getting the lighter, dressage-y Friesian, CM jokingly laments that "we are losing hair." Feathers are a defining characteristic of the breed, and the purists in the Netherlands are concerned. As an aside, CM notes that the older type Friesian with more fetlock hair and mane is also known for water or swelling in the fetlock joints. The Dutch call it sponginess.





A perspective on cross-breeding
The purists in the Netherlands (and the U.S., I imagine) are also not thrilled with cross-breeding of Friesians. CM does not mince words:

"The U.S. does have some pretty shady crossbreeding going on, so to get a Friesian sporthorse cross you need to be sure the stallion is a good one....People need to be smart when selecting a Friesian to breed to--and the rock bottom stud fee is not going to get you quality!"

Arabo Friesian

CM notes one type of cross that seems to be all the rage in Europe. The Arabo Friesians -- 3/4 Friesian and 1/4 arab -- are "tearing up [European] competitions in driving and dressage."

A few points about Friesian breeders

In Europe and the U.S., Friesian breeder participation in shows is low. The IFSHA is the show circuit thru USEF, and CM says that "hardly anyone shows in it." Keurinigs are the real testing ground for quality. Vanderploeg Friesians is an example of a Friesian breeding farm that demonstrates its quality breeding program through keurings and inspections. The farm has bred 2 approved stallions (only 1% become approved), and they have had several make it to the 2nd round of judging. Note: Only 2-3% make it to that round, so it is very competitive. The farm bred a stallion that did show in the Netherlands, where he made reserve champion at the annual stallion show. "It's quite an achievement for a U.S. bred Friesian to get 2nd out of all the approved stallions," says CM.

My thanks to Cally! Visit her Web site -- she has some wonderful art prints like the one below:

clipped from www.callyspictures.com