Perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of the Friesian’s proud driving heritage is the traditional two-wheeled Dutch sjees. The sjees (pronounced “shay-z” as in the French ‘chaise’ – meaning chair), became popular in mid eighteenth century Friesland as a gig wealthy landowners and their wives would drive out on Sundays and special occasions usually with a single or pair of Friesian horses.
The vehicle itself consists of two large 14-spoked wheels measuring almost 5 feet high and a small, ornate body suspended high above the ground by leather straps or thoroughbraces. The body is often decorated in the rococo style of King Louis XV and may display amazingly fine and detailed paintings on its carved panels.
Driven in a traditional manner, the carriage will seat a lady and gentleman side by side in traditional Dutch costume from the mid 1800’s. The man sits on the left and wears knickerbockers, tall socks, buckled shoes and a top hat, while the woman wears a white lace bonnet, white apron, and a dress complimenting the turnout. The horse typically wears a breastcollar and is driven with white reins.
In the 18th Century, the sjees was used behind the Friesian in trotting races at village festivals, in which drivers competed for the ‘Golden Whip’, before competition moved on to faster and lighter sulkies.