EAFS
The Arabo-Friesian horse
The Friesian crossed with Arabian purebred: nobility, stamina and the golden Friesian character.
The Arabo-Friesian is a Friesian-type horse born from a deliberate cross between the Friesian horse and the Arabian purebred. It keeps the noble presence, black coat and people-oriented character of the Friesian, while gaining stamina, refinement and health from the Arabian blood. The EAFS has registered and guided this breed since 2000 and has been ministerially recognised since 2006.
Origin and breeding goal
The Friesian horse is a closed population: every purebred Friesian descends from a limited number of foundation stallions, which has sharply reduced genetic diversity. From 2000 onwards, pioneering breeders crossed the Friesian with the Arabian purebred to widen that genetic base — without losing the Friesian type. The EAFS breeding goal: a noble, athletic and reliable horse with a mandatory share of Arabian blood (at least 3%, up to 40% depending on the class) and at least 25% Friesian blood that keeps the Friesian expression and charisma.
Character and temperament
The Arabo-Friesian inherits the golden Friesian character: honest, people-oriented and willing. The Arabian blood adds liveliness, intelligence and great stamina. The result is a sensitive yet dependable horse, suited to demanding leisure riders and competitors alike.
Conformation
Usually black, lighter and more athletic than the purebred Friesian, with a nobly carried neck and abundant feathering and mane. Height typically ranges from 15.1 to 16.3 hands. The gaits are elevated and roomy, with more suppleness and spring than the classic Friesian.
Disciplines: dressage, driving, endurance and leisure
The Arabo-Friesian excels in dressage thanks to its expressive gaits, in driving thanks to strength and composure, and in endurance thanks to its Arabian heritage. It is also a striking show and leisure horse: versatile, spectacular and willing.
Health and genetics
Crossing with the Arabian purebred sharply lowers the inbreeding coefficient compared with the purebred Friesian, in which research (Utrecht University, Fenway Foundation) describes increased sensitivity to dwarfism, hydrocephalus, aortic rupture and mane and tail eczema. Every EAFS foal has undergone mandatory DNA parentage verification since 2024.
Registration with the EAFS
The EAFS issues full studbook papers for the Arabo-Friesian: online foal registration, DNA verification, passport, annual inspections in Belgium, the Netherlands and France, and predicates for the best horses. Membership costs €80 per year, all inclusive. Already own an unregistered Friesian-Arabian cross? It often still qualifies.
What is the difference between an Arabo-Friesian and a purebred Friesian? +
The Arabo-Friesian carries 3 to 40% Arabian blood depending on the studbook class: lighter, more enduring and genetically more diverse than the purebred Friesian, while keeping the typical black coat, feathering and Friesian character.
Where can I register an Arabo-Friesian? +
Via the online foal registration at foalreg.eafs.be; the EAFS holds annual inspections in Belgium, the Netherlands and France and issues full papers and passports.
What does registration cost? +
EAFS membership costs €80 per year, all inclusive. Foal registration, DNA verification and the passport follow the official studbook tariff — no hidden costs.