What is the purpose of the Friesian Sporthorse

Association (FSA)?

The purpose of the Friesian Sporthorse Association

(FSA) is to recognize and promote the true Friesian

Sporthorse, and to give Friesian Sporthorse owners

and breeders a legitimate reputable registry option

for their horses.  It is our goal to encourage and

recognize quality Friesian crossbreds bred

especially as sporthorses, based on established

sporthorse and Warmblood breeding practices

and registration guidelines. 

How can I be sure I am dealing with the Friesian

Sporthorse Association, and that my horse is truly a

Friesian Sporthorse?

People should be wary of other registries representing themselves as registries for Friesian Sporthorses -- if your horse is not registered with the FSA it is not officially a Friesian Sporthorse.  The Friesian Sporthorse Association is the official registry of the Friesian Sporthorse, and the name Friesian Sporthorse™  is a registered trademark of the Friesian Sporthorse Association.  This is the only website for the Friesian Sporthorse Association.  Other websites claiming to be registries for Friesian Sporthorses are not the FSA.  Registration papers issued by these organizations may not be accepted by the Friesian Sporthorse Association, and may be meaningless in determining if a horse is a true Friesian Sporthorse, or if it is even a Friesian crossbred at all.  All correspondence from the FSA will clearly indicate it came from the FSA, with nearly all email correspondence originating from the official FSA email address:  FSAFriesianSport@aol.com.  Other variations of this email address are not the FSA. If you are uncertain, or have any doubts, please contact us via email or telephone, we are happy to help.  We are also happy to search our database to verify the registration of a horse.  

What makes the Friesian Sporthorse Association different from the various registries for Friesian crossbreds?

The Friesian Sporthorse Association is the official registry and studbook holder for the Friesian Sporthorse.  The Friesian Sporthorse Association (FSA) is also the only registry to be internationally recognized as a breed registry.  We are not just another registry for recording Friesian crossbreds, we are a breed registry devoted exclusively to the Friesian Sporthorse, thru recognition, promotion, and strict breeding guidelines aimed at preserving and improving the Friesian Sporthorse as a developing breed. The FSA is the preferred registry choice for high quality and sport-bred Friesian crosses.  

Why are warmbloods and Thoroughbreds favored for crossbreeding with Friesians?

Decades of Warmblood and sporthorse breeding have proven these breeds to be the most successful for creating horses which will have the maximum potential for success in sport.  While all breeds may have lovely characteristics  which may make them special for certain disciplines, our focus is on sport potential and Friesian Sporthorses exclusively.  The development of our criteria has been strongly influenced by established sport horse and Warmblood breeding practices, as well as the breeding practices which have been proven most (and least) successful among actual Friesian cross-breeders.

Which sport breeds are recognized for Main Book registration when crossed with Friesians?

Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Andalusians, Lusitanos, PREs, Knabstruppers, and Georgian Grandes are all recognized as sport breeds for the purposes of Main Book entrance and classification. (*all registration papers are subject to pedigree review to insure Main Book sport breeding objectives are met. Some papers, for example some Warmblood "COP" papers and some "American Warmblood" papers, may not meet our sport requirements for Main Book registration.)

Which breeds are recognized for Auxiliary Book registration when crossed with Friesians?

Saddlebreds (maximum 50%), Arabians and drafts (maximum 25%), and Dutch Harness Horses (maximum 50%) are each recognized for Auxiliary Book registration when crossed with Friesians.

Why are some non-traditional breeds acceptable for Auxiliary Book registration, and others are not?

Some non-traditional breeds have been proven to cross nicely specifically with Friesians, while still keeping the Friesian Sporthorse objective in mind.  Because these breeds are not as accepted or proven for sporthorse breeding as Warmbloods or Thoroughbreds, they are not eligible for Main Book registration, however they do deserve a place in the development of the Friesian Sporthorse, and therefore are eligible for full registration in the Auxiliary Book.  

Why do you accept purebred Friesians, when this is a registry for Friesian Sporthorses?

Purebred Friesians play a vital role in the development of Friesian Sporthorses and it is important to recognize and record them as well, if they are actively contributing to the development of the Friesian Sporthorse thru crossbreeding.

What if I am not entirely sure of my horse’s breeding, or I don’t have full documentation?

You may still apply for a Certificate of Pedigree.  A minimum 25% Friesian heritage must be verified for Friesian Sporthorse registration, meaning the pedigree of at least one parent must be known, and the parent must be registered and part Friesian.

How do I get my horse DNA tested?

It is a very simple process to submit a DNA sample to us for testing. Please see the "DNA Testing" link for more information. The DNA submission form may be found on the "Forms" page and also includes instructions for collecting a DNA sample (which is mane or tail hairs with roots attached, depending on the age of the horse.)

What is the difference between the terms "Friesian Sporthorse" and "Friesian Sport Horse"?

"Friesian Sporthorse" refers to the breed, while "Friesian Sport Horse" is a generic term often used to mean "crossbred". Friesian Sporthorses are registered with us (the Friesian Sporthorse Association) and Friesian Sporthorse™ is a registered trademark of the Friesian Sporthorse Association. We (the Friesian Sporthorse Association) are the official registry of the Friesian Sporthorse and we are the holder of the international studbook for the breed. The generic term "Friesian Sport Horse" can be used to describe any Friesian crossbred, regardless of the breeding or registry affiliation. "Friesian Sporthorse" should only be used to refer to Friesian Sporthorse Association (FSA) registered horses. 

Why are some non-traditional breeds acceptable for Main Book registration, and others are not?

A few non-traditional breeds have proven to cross especially nicely specifically with Friesians, while still keeping the Friesian Sporthorse objective in mind.  Because of the success of these specific crosses, the decision was made to include them in the Main Book.

What is the best abbreviation for Friesian Sporthorse?

People most commonly abbreviate 'Friesian Sporthorse' by using the initials of the registry (FSA) which also denotes the horse as a registered Friesian Sporthorse affiliated with the FSA.

What is the difference between a PINTO FRIESIAN SPORTHORSE and a FRIESIAN/PAINT CROSS?

"Pinto" is a color, and can be found in many breeds, including Warmbloods, Saddlebreds, and Georgian Grandes. "Paint" is a stockhorse breed, essentially a pinto colored Quarter Horse.  A "pinto Friesian Sporthorse" is a horse which has met the requirements for Friesian Sporthorse registration and is pinto colored, usually derived by combining Friesian blood with pinto Warmblood and/or pinto Saddlebred and/or pinto Georgian Grande blood.  Pinto Friesian Sporthorses may be registered in the Main Book, Auxiliary Book, or Friesian Warmblood Book, depending on the pedigree.  Friesian/Paint crosses may be issued COP papers, but because Paint is not recognized as a sport breed Friesian/Paint crosses may not be registered in the Main Book, Auxiliary Book, or Friesian Warmblood Book.

Friesian Sporthorse™ is a registered trademark

of the Friesian Sporthorse Association LLC.

© Friesian Sporthorse Association, LLC.    

www.FriesianSporthorseAssociation.com    ~    FSAFriesianSport@aol.com

Frequently Asked Questions:

Two FSA registered pinto

Friesian Sporthorses.

Maestro and his dam Pfarrah are both Friesian/ Dutch Warmblood crosses registered in the FSA's Main Book.  (Photo courtesy of Rachel Blaney - owner/breeder of Maestro.)

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