Buy Friesian

Friesian for sale: Buying and selling Friesian

There’s a reason your eye goes straight to the Friesian in any arena or sales ad. That high-set neck, active knee, and solid black coat stand out no matter what else is going on. When you start looking seriously at “Friesian for sale” listings, though, you quickly realize there’s a lot more to this breed than just looks—and those details matter for both buyers and sellers.

The Friesian originates from the Netherlands, one of the oldest warmblood-type breeds in Europe. Historically they pulled carriages, went to war, and later became popular in classical dressage and driving. Modern Friesians are usually pure black, with abundant mane, tail, and feather, and a naturally uphill build. They’re compact yet powerful, typically between 15.2 and 16.2 hands, with a naturally active trot and a canter that ranges from easy and rolling to a bit on the “work in progress” side, depending on breeding and training.

Today you see Friesians in dressage rings, in pleasure and trail riding, in combined driving, and very often in the show and wedding carriage world. They’re also in high demand for film and advertising because they’re so striking on camera. What makes them sought after in the marketplace is the combination of expressive movement, generally people-oriented temperament, and that unmistakable silhouette. But like with any popular breed, demand has created a wide range of quality and price, so understanding how to evaluate and price a Friesian is crucial whether you’re buying or selling.

Buying Friesian - what you need to know

When you’re shopping for a Friesian, start by looking past all the hair. Conformation first: you want an uphill frame, a strong, well-set neck (not a short, thick “bull” neck), a clean throatlatch, and a back that isn’t overly long or weak. Pay attention to the hind end; a lot of lower-priced Friesians have straight hind legs and a trailing hind in movement, which can limit dressage potential and long-term soundness. Watch the walk carefully—some Friesians have a restricted, short walk, and that’s harder to improve than trot or canter.

Temperament is a big selling point. Many Friesians are kind, people-focused, and forgiving, which makes them appealing to amateur riders and adult re-riders. When you try one, notice how the horse reacts to new surroundings, traffic in the arena, and small mistakes from you in the saddle. A good amateur-friendly Friesian should try to understand the question instead of escalating. Ask the seller about daily handling: is the horse easy to clip, load, and stand for the farrier? Friesians often have a bit of “drama queen” flair, but they shouldn’t be unsafe or unpredictable.

Bloodlines and registration matter a lot for prices. A fully papered Friesian with KFPS (Dutch) registration and a known pedigree will command more than an unregistered or part-bred horse. In Europe and North America, you’ll see young, unstarted friesian crosses from around $5,000–$10,000, while well-bred, purebred, papered youngsters with good movement often start around $15,000 and go up. A going under-saddle Friesian with basic dressage work and clean vetting often sits in the $20,000–$35,000 range. Upper-level prospects, star-graded mares, and stallion candidates can easily reach $40,000–$80,000 or more, especially if imported and well-presented. On the lower end, older or maintenance-requiring Friesians, or those with limited training or questionable papers, may be advertised from $3,000–$8,000, but you need to be very clear about what you’re buying.

Always ask to see registration papers, transfer documents, and any keuring or inspection scores. Ask about training history: who started the horse, what type of work it has done, and at what intensity. When you schedule a pre-purchase exam, use a vet familiar with the breed if possible. Friesians can be prone to certain issues such as upward fixation of the patella, degenerative suspensory ligament disease in some lines, and metabolic or skin issues under all that feather. A thorough lameness exam, including flexions and ideally radiographs of hocks and fetlocks for a performance prospect, is money well spent. Red flags during the buying process include sellers who refuse a vet check, vague or missing paperwork, limited video that avoids showing transitions or canter, or a horse that’s always “just a bit off” but supposedly fine with rest. Take your time, try the horse more than once if possible, and buy the temperament and soundness you need, not just the mane and movement you want.

Everything about selling Friesian

On the selling side, most Friesians on the market come from a mix of dedicated breeders, importers, and private owners who have moved disciplines or life stages. If you’re breeding or reselling, your reputation is everything, especially in such a close-knit niche market. Buyers talk, and people quickly learn who consistently has honest, fairly priced Friesian horses for sale and who doesn’t. If you’re a private owner selling one horse, your job is to present that horse as clearly and transparently as possible.

Before you even write an ad, get your horse prepared. Current registration papers and up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, shoeing or trimming, and dental work all help reassure serious buyers. If your Friesian has keuring results or breed inspection scores, include those. Make sure the horse is fit enough to show what it can really do; a Friesian that’s out of shape will often look heavier and more labored than it truly is. If you’re marketing to dressage buyers, invest some time in consistent schooling so the horse can show clear, balanced walk-trot-canter transitions and a steady contact. For driving or carriage buyers, show the horse hitched safely and in traffic if that’s part of your selling point.

Pricing your Friesian realistically is key. A young, green but papered Friesian might be fairly priced from $12,000–$20,000 depending on movement, pedigree, and location. A well-started amateur mount with a solid training base often sits anywhere from $20,000–$40,000. Top quality breeding mares, approved stallions, or imported competition horses can go far beyond that, especially if you’re selling into international markets where the euro or dollar exchange rate plays a role. If your horse has limitations—age, maintenance, mild cosmetic blemishes, or restricted use—build that into your price and be upfront. In the current market, buyers are informed; vague “price on inquiry” ads for mid-range horses often just delay serious interest.

Where you sell also influences outcome. Good photos and clear, honest videos are non-negotiable if you’re listing on general horse marketplaces, Facebook groups, or Friesian-specific sales sites. Show the horse in all three gaits from both directions, transitions, and, if safe, hacking out or in harness. For higher-end or imported horses, working with a trusted agent or breeder who already has an international Friesian buyer base can be worth the commission. Timing your sale to avoid deep winter, when people are less inclined to travel, often helps, though serious Friesian buyers look year-round.

What Friesian buyers expect from you as a seller is straightforward communication: accurate height, age, and registration status; clear explanation of training level; and full disclosure of any known health or behavioral issues. Offer recent vet records if you have them, and be open to a pre-purchase exam. A horse that loads easily, stands tied, and behaves well for grooming and clipping will show better and sell faster, so invest a few weeks in polishing those basics if needed. In the end, whether you’re selling or buying a Friesian, treating the process like a long-term partnership search—rather than a quick transaction—tends to result in happier riders, better homes, and horses that stay sound and useful for many years.