FREEMAN FARMS FRIESIANS
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The Friesian is an ancient breed that descends from a primitive horse called Equus Robustus. These strong, sturdy and regal animals were cultivated by early European conquerors. As war mounts, they were favored by Knights. The breed nearly disappeared and at one time only a very few purebred specimens were found in Friesland, a Province in the Netherlands. The Dutch passed legislation protecting the purity of the breed, which now enjoys a resurgence. As early as 1665, the Dutch brought Friesians to a region in North America called New Amsterdam, a township later taken by the English, who changed the name to York ... now called New York. The breed was sturdy, but a bit heavy and slow for the needs of American settlers. It is believed, though, that Friesian horses were used in the development of the Morgan horse.
