Submitted by Jennifer Sepulveda: Shadrach CMG is a 16-year-old Friesian Sporthorse gelding (x Hanoverian). I purchased him in 2023 and we are currently showing First Level, and schooling Second. We also compete in working equitation! This year we will compete in our first recognized competitions together, and my dream is to earn my USDF Silver Medal with him 🥰 "Shaq" is a total sweetheart and at a handsome 17.1hh he turns heads! (📷 Philippos Equine Photography)
We recently asked our social media followers to share a photo of their favorite Friesian or Friesian cross, and tell us a little about them, for a chance to be featured on YourDressage, and we are so excited to share all the beautiful photos we received! Throughtout the month we will also be looking for stories from folks who love this breed. If you have a fairytalesque Friesian you’d like to share, send us an email at yourdressage@usdf.org.
Othello’s Black Orchid (Cavalia) is a 2015 Friesian x Paint cross mare. She was born and raised on a small farm in Vermont. Currently showing 1st level. Her favorite thing is smiling and loves to learn new tricks! – Jade M.Meet Chloe De Feys. She is such a sweet and gentle soul and has fulfilled my dreams of owning a Friesian in my 20s. She is so beyond gentle and now helps me teach my young students how to be fancy in dressage. She absolutely adores them and will do anything for them as long as they have a peppermint for her after. We are hoping to show first level this year ❤️💕 – Kaycie L.My Gypsian gelding, Phineas KO. Phineas and I are based in region 5, Wyoming. We are working up the levels together, and my biggest goal is to one day do a freestyle. He is very forward and a hot ride, but so kind and obedient, he has every ounce of upper level quality. He is brave on trails and at shows, and really loves to work. This horse makes me feel like a princess and a brave knight all in one. – Sarah W.Wylster 463 Sport Elite AAA. Approved Friesian Stallion. He competed through Grand Prix with Ellisa Kroll and helped her achieve her gold medal! Owned by Macias Corral Friesians! – Mia M.Trijntje v.d. Bokkefarm , Sport-Elite AA , Crowne mare , she has taught me so much and is my heart ❤️ she is retired from competition and coming 20 , but continues to be a school master with patience , kindness and heart . She is incredibly intelligent with massive work ethic . Everyday is a gift with her ❤️ – Julie S.Beyond his accomplishments, Djurre, Djurre út ‘t Westen Sport Elite AAA, truly stands apart because of who he is. He has a personality that brings joy to everyone around him; constantly cracking me up with his expressions and antics, and fully convinced that every horse (and human) should be watching him at all times. He carries himself with confidence and charm, yet beneath that presence is an enormous heart. He is generous, kind, and gives everything he has to his work and his people. – Maegan S.This is Manon (Brooksides Fifty Shades of Grey), an 8 year old Friesian Sporthorse (1/2 Friesian and 1/2 Standardbred). She spent the first seven years of her life being an excellent mom. When I found her almost exactly a year ago, she had freshly weaned her fourth foal. In the past year she has transitioned from a greenbroke broodmare to a full blown dressage diva who loves dancing in the sandbox. We feel like we have just scratched the surface of her potential and are having so much fun exploring that with her as her second career. She’s a working mom now! Her great work ethic, intelligence and athleticism are true of her Friesian heritage. Breeding- Agape of Friesian Glory/Tietse 428 x Cams Deejay – Sheridan M.From broodmare to FEI! My Friesian Sporthorse mare Destiny SCS “Dezi” has surpassed all expectations when I bought her sight unseen, as a broodmare, 8 years ago. We have had an incredible journey and am so grateful/excited for what’s next. Our latest feat was going to Dressage Finals last year at Intermediate 1. #friesiansporthorse – Heather AnnThis is Ziellinia BEC my 4 year old Friesian Sport Horse. Ziellinia is the German pronunciation of “finish line” as she is the last horse for me and my riding career. I purchased her in utero to fulfill my desire of starting one from the very beginning. She is my absolute dream horse and I’m looking forward to our future together! – Julie J.Meet Djurre út ‘t Westen Sport Elite AAA “Djurre”! No words are suitable for the magnificence of this special stallion. In addition to all of his accomplishments, his stellar disposition has worked his way into the hearts of so many. Djurre is especially near and dear to my heart for many reasons. This stallion is the epitome of what a Fresian should be. He exemplifies all that is amazing about the Fresian horse. As his private hauler and stand-in groom, I have spent many hours with this guy! He is the kindest stallion I have ever had the opportunity to handle. From day to day, clinics, shows and even on his trips to be collected for breeding, this stallion is nothing short of perfection! – Nikki J.GBF Friesians Keegan’s Encore (Evi) – We are starting our journey this year and we are so excited! – Karen O.I have a Keegan baby too, she’s 11yr now. – Heather K.This Is Yatzee FPF. He is now coming 19 years old. He has competed at Grand Prix for 8 years now and 2026 will be his 9th with his new rider, Sarah Bouckley. He has the most incredible heart and LOVES his work! He has been Regional champion at GP several times, and placed TopTen at US Finals TWICE, and was Reserve Champion in a CDI in California. – Paige R.This is Zebulon… my trainers full Friesian I am blessed to be able to ride/ show. He is a senior as am I but hope to do a musical freestyle and century ride before we “ retire”! Photo: Anna Faragoi – Cheryl S.This is Riemer fan e’ Hoarnst. He will be turning 29 March 31st. When planning our wedding 20+ years ago I made a comment to my fiancé that for the cost of a wedding, I could have my dream horse. He replied that would be a better way to spend the money, so instead of a fancy venue…I rode Riemer around bareback in my wedding dress in our backyard! I had never done dressage before I got him, so we learned together. I brought him to 2nd level myself, although never had a chance to confirm because by then we started a family. We have a wonderful story to tell! – Tammy V.My 18yo Friesian Sporthorse, Alter Ego trying sidesaddle for the first time in 2022. Made it to Grand Prix aside in 2025! – Abbey D.This is Darius, 7yr old Ster Sport gelding, (Thorben x Tymon).
He got a late start as he took forever to grow up mentally & physically. Will show 1st level this year.
Like so many friesians, he has huge gaits; & is very sensitive & forward, but everything seems to be coming together & he really enjoys schooling & trying new things. – Caysie v B.-L.This is Buckeyes Black Diamond, otherwise known as Tío (or Uncle Fabio around the barn!) He is an 8 year old Friesian/Morgan cross. Tío is HILARIOUS! His personality fills up the aisle and he loves to smile for attention and lick you like a dog. Tío is very serious about his under saddle work, so much so that my trainer calls him “The Professor!” We try to change things up for him so that he has fun, we do the occasional group lesson and work work poles and chutes and also ride around on the beautiful property where we board. We have been together for a year now and we are looking forward to the next dressage show season! – Kris L.My mare is Uldrik x Anton! Best horse there is ❤️ – Inge D H.Meet Maize HP! She is a stunning 13 yr old Friesian DutchWB. My first mare and the smartest horse I’ve ever met. She is incredibly sweet and I love her to pieces. ❤️ While we’ve both had a few health issues I hope to be back playing in the sandbox soon! – Marie P.My heart Friesian, Rembrandt – Lainey L.This is my gelding Chiron (On The Mend), ridden by gold medalist, Juliane Dykiel Dressage . He is a 16.1 7 year-old buckskin Friesian cross who is an absolute sweetheart. Chiron has a fun, inquisitive and willing personality and loves to give his best for his rider. We are both somewhat new to dressage, and he is currently schooling second level. We hope to show USDF recognized shows this year. In his spare time he enjoys trail/beach rides, and he’s a curry comb’s biggest fan. – Nicky R.This is Saapke Fan Ljocht en Skaed. She is truly my once in a lifetime horse! She’s helped make so many dreams come true and has made me feel like we can achieve and and all goals I have, I’m truly grateful to have such an amazing mare. – Mykal G.Here’s my submission for the Friesian month! Haike Ut’e Leanen. After 3 different trainers in our journey we landed at Sunset Hills Dressage with Kim McGrath. Thanks to her Haike really found his groove and happiness being a dressage horse and going forward. Haike is now 15 years old. He is not an easy ride and a full body work out each time. However this breed is kind, forgiving and in my opinion when they are going correctly there is nothing more stunning to watch. We continue to train up the levels. Our progress is slow and trying at times but very rewarding. Owned by Amanda Johnson Photo Credit Jon Johnson – Amanda J.
