Nero the White Fresian
Published by GHC • Sep 26th, 2008 • Category: Guest Bloggers, International Horseby Horsewhispers, age 15
The Friesian is an ancient breed of horse that originated in Friesland, a province of the Netherlands. Friesians have the body type and feathering of a draft horse but they display such grace and agility that they’re often used for Dressage. Friesians are sometimes called “light heavy horses.”
Hundreds of years ago, in the middle ages, the original Friesians were used as warhorses. Knights wore heavy armor that required a strong horse to carry them, but in combat you also needed a horse that was balanced and quick. That describes the Friesian.
The breed almost went extinct several times. Today, Friesians are becoming increasingly more popular as a harness horse and even under saddle. Friesians have long, thick manes and tails – almost like Arabians or Barbs. Their most notable trait, however, is their black coat. Although on rare occasions there are chestnut Friesians, registries usually don’t accept them. The Friesian stands around 15 hands. It can vary, however, from 14.2 to 17.
They’re known for their high-stepping trot, their elegance. When a Friesian goes by it seems to scream “look at me!” Because of that, they’re popular in the movie industry. That’s the whimsical side of it.
So technically, Nero wasn’t a purebred Friesian stallion. Whimsically, he was. A picture of Nero was published in Eurodressage’s Equitana report. It caused quite a big (worldwide) stir among its viewers.
Friesians are typically known for being black. Nero was white. Gray would be the correct term but it wouldn’t describe the ghostly-pale, pure white color of Nero’s coat. The stallion had the light feathering of a Friesian horse. He was the right height. He had the same conformation and easy movement. In fact, he won a lot of ribbons in Dressage.
The Friesian is a very old breed of horse and it suffers from a lot of inbreeding. About thirty years ago, a family was granted permission from the Dutch Queen to cross-breed some Friesian mares with an Arab stallion named Jalisco, to put new blood into the Friesians. Surprisingly, one of Jalisco’s foals turned out gray. It was a stallion named Negus.
Negus spent the first twelve years of his life untrained. But because of his gentle character, he was still able to be handled.
Negus was sold to Sylvia Parduhn. She schooled him and eventually Negus was bred. The result was Nero: a beautiful stallion that captivated the crowd at his competitions.
Unfortunately, Nero isn’t a licensed stallion. He’s only three-quarters Friesian. It’s doubtful that Nero will become the first stallion of a breed of white Friesian horses.
However, Negus continues to be bred for the beauty and delightful character he passes onto his foals. Occasionally Ms. Parduhn takes Negus to shows and he’s earned several ribbons.
Nero, now fourteen, has a colt out of a Trakehner mare. The colt is five years old with pinto coloring. It seems likely that he’ll turn completely white as he grows older. Other than the pinto, Nero’s foals come in all different colors.
Some people are of the opinion that the Friesians should stay pure-blooded and solid black. Some (like me) think a new breed of horse, especially one that’s not only impeccably tempered but also beautiful, is a great idea.
Maybe there’ll be a “throwback” and another white stallion will emerge somewhere along the lines. If it does happen, somebody might decide that this amazing line of horses deserves to stand tall and be called its own breed.
But for now, Nero remains unique.
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Author’s Note: To check out pictures of Nero search ‘Nero the white Friesian’ or click here.
congratulations. That was a very well written blog. Very well done i loved it!. :):)
Wow! This is really good!I have always LOVED LOVED LOVED freisians and this is something i really didn’t know! Very interesting and I can not wait to hear more from you.
Congratulations Horsewhispers for your third blog published! I welcome you to the ranks of Junior Blogger with open arms. I didn’t believe my eyes when I first read this blog’s title and when I first saw the pictures. Nero looked like an Andalusian to me for a second. He is a stunning horse, and it’s a good time for him and the other Friesians to get noticed by writing this blog. Fantastic work, and I’ll be looking forward to more writing from you!
Congrats on you making your way to the JB rank. I look forward to your other magnificent blogs. I am a big lover for Friesians, so you just made my day.
Can’t wait to hear more from you!
mustangmane
Congrats on becoming a Jr Blogger! I loved this article with the history and lots of interesting things to go along.
I know I’m a bit late but I have to say that this is a beautiful and well written blog!
Friesians are one of my fav. breeds, and you did a wonderful job in discribing their beauty!!
Please write about Andalusians next!