Arabo-Friesian

The Arabo-Friesian (Dutch: Arabo Friese Paard) is a recent breed of horse, selected over several generations since the 1960s to obtain the morphology of the modern Friesian combined with the endurance qualities of the Arabian.

The creation of this breed was strongly contested by some Dutch Friesian breeders, who went so far as to set fire to the stables where the first crosses were made.

[1] The Hillners bred several Friesian mares to Jalisco, a gray Arabian stallion standing at stud at Gestuet Marbach.

They chose new breeding stock, and sought the sporting aptitudes associated with the original qualities of the Friesian, while taking part in international combined driving competitions.

2005 saw the creation of the Association française du cheval Arabo-frison (AFCAF), and 2006 saw recognition of the studbook in Belgium.

[8][11] Like the Arab and Friesian, this breed is genetically predisposed to recurrent seasonal dermatitis (SSRD).

The first approved stallion, Yk Dark Danilo, was for many years part of Belgium's national champion four-horse team.

[14] Belgian driver Edouard Simonet led a team of four Arabo-Friesians at the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

Head of a black horse
Head of a black Arabo-frisian mare.
In the foreground are two black horses in profile on the left; in the background, two other horses with only their heads visible are in front; and in the background, the driver's head can be seen in full effort.
Belgian driver Edouard Simonet and his arabo-friesians at the 2014 World Equestrian Games .
In a show ring, a man presents two black foals in halters.
Foal presentation at the 2014 Salon du cheval de Paris , or Paris Horse Show – Damien Chaulet.