Frederiksborg
Origin
Denmark
History
The Frederiksborg breed was developed at the royal Frederiksbork Stud founded in 1562 by King Frederik II of Denmark. Its aim was to produce military chargers that were suitable for use in the riding school, on the parade ground, and in court ceremonies.
The foundation stock at Frederiksborg consisted of Spanish horses from Iberia and from Central and Eastern Europe. Later Neapolitan stock was imported, and in the 19th century crosses were made to half-bred English stallions usually carrying Norfolk Roadster blood. Eastern horses, usually Arabians, were also used to give greater refinement.
Horses from the Royal Frederiksborg Stud were, in turn, much used to improve other breeds. One of the most famous exports from the Danish Court Stud was the white stallion Pluto, born in 1765. He founded the Lipizzaner line that still exists and bears his name today.
Due to its popularity this breed was exported in great numbers in Europe. It was exported, however, to the detriment of the breed. Many horses were sold abroad including some of the foundation stock; the breed began to decline, until by 1839 the stud was closed. A small number of pure individuals were maintained over the years by private breeders devoted to the breed.
In 1939 efforts were started to reestablish the breed, using Friesian and Oldenburg blood. More recently, Frederiksborg-type mares have been crossed with breeds such as the Thoroughbred and Trakehner to develop the Danish Warmblood.
Connections between the Frederiksborg of today and the old stock are very slight, but the breed still exist in Denmark.
Description
- Head:
well proportioned, with a straight or sometimes convex profile, pointed, mobile ears, and large, expressive eyes - Conformation:
-neck of medium length, well proportioned and slightly arched and muscular
-pronounced, broad and muscular withers
-high, deep and full chest
-sloping and muscular shoulder
-short and straight back
-rounded and broad croup
-well muscled legs with strong, broad joints, good bone, and clearly defined tendons
-small and tough hooves. - Average height:
15.1 to 16.1 h.h. - Colour:
always chestnut. The mane and tail are a lighter, flaxen colour. White markings on the face and/or legs are common - Temperament:
like their Spanish ancestors, they have the most equable of temperaments - Today:
the modern Frederiksborg is bred largely as a strong, upstanding carriage horse with a distinctive appearance and a high, showy action.
