The Friesian Horse Association of Alberta held its annual inspection at the MegaDome in Olds on Thursday.A total of 30 horses from across B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan participated in the event, which is designed to get the horses into the studbook, which signifies the purity and integrity of the horse in question, said Annie Muilwijk, secretary-treasurer of the FHAA. Prospective horses must be the offspring of a registered mare and stud. Once a horse is approved into the studbook, they receive it for a lifetime ñ re-certification isn't required.ìIt's really important that the mare get into the studbook (for breeding purposes). The value increases by being in the studbook,î she said.During the event, the horses are judged on conformation and gait. Conformation must be forward, elevated and covering a lot of ground.The Friesian isn't a very common horse, with only about 200 in Alberta. The breed originated in the Friesland province of Holland, but due to mechanization of farms and cross breeding, the Friesian nearly became extinct by the early 20th century. It was imported to North America in the 17th century but became extinct in North America due to cross breeding. It was re-introduced in 1974.ìTheir character is awesome,î Muilwijk said, noting that they are always willing to work. A Friesian is generally calm and friendly.Muilwijk, herself a Friesian owner from Lacombe, said while one of the judges at the event was from Holland and the other from the United States, they travel around North America each year evaluating horses from different regions to see if they meet the criteria to go into the studbook.Muilwijk said generally, owners try to enter their horses into the studbook at about age three, but if a particular horse doesn't make the grade one year, they can always return in subsequent years.
