Friesian Encyclopedia

Studbook

The mare and gelding studbook is the primary book for adult mares and geldings, older than three years old. Certain horses may qualify for status/predicates within the studbook if they are […]

Star

Star or ‘Ster’ is an FPS rating given to mares and geldings in the Studbook and unapproved stallions in the Foal Book, who are found to meet a higher standard in movement and/or conformation.

Eligibility for Star Mare […]

Stam

Stam or stam lines refers to the recorded lines of significant breeding mares in the breed. It is essentially the motherline, that is, the bottom-most line of names on a pedigree (Dam, Grand-dam, Great-grand-dam..etc). While […]

Sport

The sport predicate is awarded to mares, geldings and stallions within the registry which have shown an aptitude for competitive sport. The competitions must be recognized by the FPS and the scores must be of […]

Preferent

The Preferential status applies to both stallions and mares, and is determined by the quality of their offspring. This designation may be awarded to living mares and stallions or posthumously, though the qualifications for Preferential […]

Premiums

Premiums, or premies, are essentially a rating or classification. Premiums are awarded at Friesian inspections and classify a particular horse into categories of excellence. Each horse is judged individually against the Friesian standard, not against each other, […]

Performance Mother

The Performance Mother or “Prestatie” is a mare from the Studbook or Auxiliary Studbook who has three or more of her offspring who have achieved high levels of performance under saddle or driving. Performance must be demonstrated in competition […]

Naming

As well as registration numbers, Friesians can be identified to some extent by their names. Each year the FPS designates specific letters from the alphabet to be used in naming foals born in that calendar […]

Model

Model is an FPS rating given to Star mares of exceptional quality. The Model Mare is much like the Studbook Stallion, having to meet many criteria and undergo evaluations before the title may be applied. To become […]

Microchips

Every Friesian horse entered into the FPS Foal Book since 1997 has received an electronic identification code, or microchip. This chip is injected into the upper left neck, approximately mid way between the withers and […]

2 thoughts on “Friesian Encyclopedia”

    1. Registry sponsored branding has been discontinued in the breed, although neck brands designating the studbook status can still be seen on older horses. I believe this practice was discontinued in the KFPS in 2001 or 2002.

      A number of other warmblood breeds from nearby regions of Europe are branded on the thigh.

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