The fairytalesque Friesian! Throughout the month of February, we are featuring Friesians and Friesian crosses.
Did you know… dressage riders who compete with a member of this stunning breed are eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program? The Friesian Heritage Horse & Sporthorse International, Friesian Horse Association of North America, Friesian Horse Society, Friesian Sport Horse Registry, and Friesian Sporthorse Associationare all participating organizations!
An adult amateur from Region 6 didn’t go looking for a Friesian when searching for her next partner, but just ten minutes down the road was a tall, dark, and handsome gelding who was everything she hoped and more.
By Jennifer Sepulveda
I didn’t set out specifically for a Friesian when I was shopping for what would be my Silver Medal dressage horse. However, if my past horse shopping experience had taught me anything, it was to keep an open mind, and expect the unexpected. I certainly didn’t expect to find my new horse just ten minutes from home, but when I saw an advertisement for a tall, dark, and handsome dressage gelding at a nearby stable, it felt like a no-brainer to at least take a look.
That was three years ago now, and ever since, I have been pinching myself at the privilege of being Shadrach’s next dance partner.
Shadrach CMG is a 2010 bay Friesian Sporthorse gelding out of a Hanoverian mare. At an impressive 17.1 hands, he quickly adopted the barn name “Shaq” after Mr. O’Neal himself. I also regularly refer to him as my “moose” on account of his enormous stature.
Shaq quickly checked all the boxes for what I was looking for in my next partner. Talented, sure; beautiful, no doubt; but above all, a gentle, safe, kind horse that this DIY-adult-amateur could enjoy. Whether I’m hauling him myself to lessons and horse shows, trail riding solo on nearby public lands, or trusting my husband to handle him at home, Shaq never wavers – he is reliable, sensible, and safe, an absolute adult amateur dream horse.
When Shaq came into my life, he and I were both returning from a lengthy break from consistent riding and training. While my Silver Medal goal is always in my head, the immediate task at hand was far simpler: getting both of us back in shape and getting to know one another. That process was an absolute joy.
Shaq has the “puppy dog” gelding personality I adore – a little silly, a lot sweet, and always wanting to please. It has been a delight as well to uncover Shaq’s excellent dressage training, learning his “buttons” and how riding him is so different – and yet, sometimes comfortingly familiar – to riding the long-time equine partners of my past.
Our first few years together have brought a lot of learning and a lot of fond memories already. Having started from the absolute beginning together at Introductory Level Test A, Shaq and I are now successfully competing at First Level, and schooling most of Second. Having seen lots of success on local schooling show circuits, Shaq recently attended his first-ever USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized show – and my first in ten years! With that accomplishment under our belt, I am eagerly plotting out the rest of our 2026 season, and daydreaming about what we might achieve together.
I have been incredibly grateful for the trainers and clinicians that have supported us along the way – but much of the work has been done at home, literally. Shaq lives at home with Bob, my retired Bronze Medal horse, and their buddy, Burlington the donkey. Lessons are either virtual or haul-ins, and I frequently take advantage of local clinics rather than routine private lessons. Schooling rides, whether at home in my small arena or at the same nearby stable where I purchased Shaq, are often at the mercy of the weather and my “9 to 5.” When people ask me what barn I’m in or what trainer I ride with, I usually smile and say, “Whoever will have me!”
Though more logistically challenging, getting to ride with different professionals allows me to hear different perspectives and learn new tools for bringing out the best in Shaq and my partnership. I feel lucky to have the backing and support of so many people in the local equestrian community. Even if I may be attending a horse show by myself, proud members of “Team Shaq” eagerly await my updates on how things are going, or meet me at the venue to groom, read tests, and cheer us on! Having the horses at home is so special, and even though not being in a show program is a lot different from my past experience as a competitive dressage rider, I wouldn’t trade those cliché mornings drinking coffee at my kitchen table and looking out at my horses enjoying their breakfast.
With Shaq being such a big, smart guy, I try hard to keep his training as enriching as possible. Cross-training is a very important component of our work, as I find Shaq gets dull after too much of the “same old, same old.” We love incorporating pole work into our dressage schooling – even a simple line of trot poles can provide an amazing benefit to a schooling session.
Shaq and I also love trail riding, exploring the local trails for some fresh air, beautiful views, and all the mental and physical benefits of exercise outside the arena. We’ve also been known to take a stroll around the neighborhood – of course, all the passers-by must stop and tell Shaq how gorgeous he is! Shaq and I have even completed a one-day event derby, despite me being not-so-fond of jumping… anything to keep things interesting!
Shaq and I also love working equitation! I will wax poetic to anyone who will listen about the benefit of working equitation as cross-training for the dressage horse. The obstacles give context to so much of what we ask for in a dressage test, giving the horse a “reason” for the task at hand that really brings out their work ethic. Shaq and I buttoned up our Second Level walk-to-canter transitions and rein backs by practicing the same in working equitation obstacle courses. More than anything, working equitation is just plain FUN for horse and rider! Shaq loves his working equitation practices to mix up his standard schooling routine.
Photos by Philippos Equine Photography.
Everyone I’ve met through working equitation has been so kind and welcoming, and it is so fulfilling to successfully complete a new obstacle for the first time or perfect a different kind of dressage test! Shaq won his first-ever working equitation schooling show last year at Level 2, and we look forward to trying a USA Working Equitation licensed show or two this year.
Our partnership has really only just begun, and I am so proud of everything Shaq has already learned and accomplished. I am also incredibly grateful for how much he has taught me, both as a rider and a horsewoman. He has been the absolute perfect partner for this next chapter in my dressage journey. Between his size and his dashing good looks, his commanding presence turns heads everywhere he goes – but his sweet personality is what wins people over. I count my blessings every time I get to put my foot in that iron, and still pinch myself that such a special horse came into my life.
We have a long way to go to get that USDF Silver Medal, but Shaq reminds me all the time that he’s up for the task. I have no doubt Shaq will be a superstar – and I am enjoying every step of the journey along the way.
