frequently asked questions

How can I register my Friesian?

First you have to join FHAGBI which gives you automatic membership to the KFPS. Then once you have joined and provided you have your papers you should copy them and send the originals direct to the KFPS requesting them that they reissue the papers in your name. The KFPS will then raise and invoice to you and once paid they will send you your papers. If you have not got your horses papers, which is quite usual as the seller officially has to return the papers to the KFPS then you will have to get your vet to complete a protocol form (attainable from FHAGBI) to certify the chip or tongue tattoo of your horse. Send this to the KFPS with you request for new papers as above.

Where can I find a breeding stallion in the UK or Ireland?
Please note that cross-breeding is strictly forbidden and offspring cannot be registered nor graded with the KFPS / FHAGBI. There are NO licensed Approved Studbook stallions standing in the UK or Ireland, and foalbook stallions with breeding privilages are no longer permitted. In order to maximise the qualities of the offspring from a KFPS registered mare, we would recommend the use of AI with chilled semen (or frozen semen if chilled unavailable), from an approved studbook stallion in the Netherlands, or alternatively, subject to cost, having the mare inseminated with fresh semen from an Approved Stallion in the Netherlands. Very few Approved Studbook stallions offer natural cover.
Whilst FHAGBI will always recommend the use of an Approved Studbook stallion, where AI is not feesible, a few people do choose to use non-approved foalbook stallions to cover their mare. However, foals may only be registered following satisfactory DNA tests and are registered in an Auxillary studbook, Bi-Boek II. Although foals may be graded, they are technically not worth as much in breeding terms, and the foalbook sire and his offspring are not screened for performance, sports aptitude, genetic abnormailites or conformation and movement defects. If you are insisting on using a non-approved stallion, then better to use one that is STER graded.
It is important to ensure that inbreeding percentages remain low (preferably less than 5%) and that the stallion is a suitable match to your mare.
A comprehensive guide to breeding is available to download:
For more advice you are welcome to contact the FHAGBI board.

What riding or show classes are available for Friesians?
Unfortunately there are very few specific classes for Friesians although many of our members do have great success in showing and taking part in foreign breed classes. Friesians make fantastic dressage horses and these classes are a great way of promoting the breed and enjoying success with working in partnership with your Friesian. From time to time FHAGBI do organise Friesian riding classes and training classes.
In Carriage Driving, Friesians are often succesful in private driving, light trade and coaching classes.
Please visit our Events section for details of upcoming Friesian showing Classes.

From where do Friesian horses originate?

Friesian horses originated in Friesland, the most northern province of the Netherlands but can now be found all over the world.

What colour is a Friesian horse?
Black, Black and Black. The only permissible white markings are a few white hairs on the forehead or a small star. Any other white markings will preclude the horse from entering the main studbook.

How tall are Friesian horses?
Friesian stallions must be at least 1.60M by the age of four and mares must be at least 1.50M. However, between 1.58M and 1.65M is considered ideal.

How many Dutch registered Friesian horses are there in Great Britain and Ireland?
There are currently nearly 200 Friesian horses in Great Britain and Ireland with numbers increasing steadily. Numbers vary at any given time due to imports, births, deaths etc.

What is an Inspection?
An Inspection is an evaluation of horses here in Great Britain and Ireland by official judges from the Netherlands. Once a year qualified judges from Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek ("FPS") are sent here to inspect, register and grade our horses. This is a thorough evaluation process which helps us to upgrade our breeding programmes.

How do I know I am buying a Quality Registered Friesian Horse?
The FPS is the ONLY registry for Friesian Horses world-wide. This Registry was founded in 1879 and today's Dutch registered Friesian horses are the result of over a century of rigorous evaluation and selection of breeding stock. A horse whose papers are not issued by the FPS will not be recognised as a Friesian horse. Prospective purchasers should obtain a photocopy of the papers before going to look at the horse to ascertain that the horse was indeed registered at Drachten.

After 1986 it became compulsory for registered horses to have a number tattooed on their tongues. (Although not compulsory, many horses born before 1986 were also tattooed.) Foals born and registered since 1997 have been given a unique microchip by the FPS instead of the tongue tattoo. You should ensure that the tongue number or microchip number recorded on the registration paper is the same as that of the horse.

From where can I purchase a Friesian horse and what will it cost?
Friesian horses are still something of a rarity in Great Britain and Ireland with only a handful of breeders and there is a big demand. While Friesian horses are quite expensive, prices vary widely depending on age, breeding, gender, quality, training and vendor. Should you purchase a horse directly from the Netherlands, a very rough guide might be: £3,000 for a colt, £4,000 for a filly, £5,000 for a gelding, £6,000 for a studbook mare, £7,000 for a star gelding and £12,000 for a star mare. Do bear in mind you will have the cost of health papers and shipping, along with the cost of your trip to the Netherlands to add to your budget. If purchasing from the UK you can expect the prices to be somewhat higher, particularly with the Euro being so strong against the pound at the moment. The seller will have paid for transport and often additional training so you could of course pay less or a lot more! The Association cannot refer you to specific farms but many breeders who have stock for sale advertise in Phryso.

Is cross breeding allowed?
Cross Breeding Friesian horses with other breeds is absolutely forbidden and registration papers cannot be issued to the offspring resulting from such cross breeding. Only approved breeding stallions can be used as sires and only to FPS registered mares. FHAGBI has a list of approved stallions.

My FPS Passport does not have a section IX relating to medicinal treatment record and choice for slaughter or not for human consumption?
The older FPS grey/yellow passport does not contain this but on application to Julian Atkins an insert form can be supplied to conform to DEFRA regulations. Please contact him on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What is the cost of membership for 2009?
Full Membership £50.00*
Friend Membership £20.00* Download Application Form
Memberships run from 1st January to 31st December
New members are required to pay an additional "one off" payment of £20.00 to cover the costs of the various Rule Books and the initial administration costs between FHAGBI and the FPS.