The picture of the white Friesian that was published in Eurodressage's Equitana report earlier this week has caused quite a stir among readers worldwide. So, here's the story behind this unusual crowd-pleaser:
If you're familiar with Friesians, you know that some of them suffer from inbreeding problems. Thirty years ago, the German-based Hillner family received permission from the Dutch Queen to cross-breed several Friesian mares with Jalisco, an Arab stallion standing at stud at Gestuet Marbach, to get some fresh blood into the breed. Exactly one of the foals turned out grey -- a stallion named Negus. After he had spent the first twelve years of his life un-trained, he changed hands.
His new owner, Sylvia Parduhn, started schooling him and was very pleased with his "bomb-proof" character, which allowed her to start riding a stallion at this advanced age. Parduhn also bred several mares with him, and again, one of the foals turned out a grey stallion -- Nero, the now fourteen-year-old horse who impressed the Equitana crowds not only with his color but also with his exceptional gaits.
Parduhn, who runs a stable for holidaymakers near Fulda, was very happy to see that Negus had passed on his impeccable character to his son, and so she uses him to breed the pretty and character-sound horses she needs for her farm. She does show him at competitions occasionally, and he has earned one M- and several L-ribbons. Nero is not a licensed stallion, however, and taking a look at his offspring, it is unlikely that he -- a three-quarter Friesian -- will become the sire of a new breed of white Friesians. So far, he has one son -- by a Trakehner mare -- who is a five-year-old pinto and will very probably turn completely white. Other than that, his offspring come in all colors -- and Nero remains one of a kind.
Courtesy of Dianne Olds Rossi
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7 comments:
Beautiful horse and interesting story!
-Chris
An interesting after thought. As you can see this white Friesian was shown I believe at the stallion show in Holland even though he was used for breeding and not a purebred which for years has been unacceptable.
In the U.S. my one of a kind RED purebred Friesian stallion would not be welcome at the breed shows even as an special attraction. Seems to me like Holland is far ahead in the promotion of the breed unlike the single minded purist's who can only see black.
Dianne, I have seen your Red Friesian (pictures only)and he would be welcome with open arms at my house anytime!!
Dianne I have seen pictures of your red Friesian and he would be welcomed with open arms at my house !!
Peggy,
Oh come on. You are going to have to bring a lot more to the Fire Magic bargaining table, besides free room and board. I offered Madame Col. Olds Rossi a white tiger cub, which she was enamored with, in exchange for Chewy, and she scoffed at me. If you have never seen Fire Magic live and "dancing," you don't really know what he is. A bigger, bolder,more powerful moving Friesian you have not seen. The first time I ever saw him doing a piaffe, I thought, "that has to be a Friesian, but his color is wrong." Than Dianne released him into the airiest, lightest, most forward passage I have ever seen a big horse do, and I thought, "no, by God that is an Andalusian." Then she geared him back to an piaffe, and I thought, "no, it has to be a Friesian/Andalusian cross." He is spectacular.
I note Nero has Arabian root's. It is amazing how many of the equine wonders of the world today, have those same incredible roots. No finer bloodstock then an Arabian has ever walked this earth. Madame Col. appreciated that years ago, before she got involved with carriage horse!!!! LOL
Wade
Thank you Wade, Fire Magic is very special even more so at just a tad below 17 hands. Passing on that cuddly white tiger was a hard pass however now he would not be so cuddly. The white horse Nero is small, I heard about him when I was in Holland but passed on him because of age and size...the color and look spectacular.
We leave for the World Equestrian Games next week, so excited.
Madame Col.
Have a safe trip, and I am sure you and the "Man" will wow them in Lexington, a beautiful facility to host the event. I know I don't have to ask for lots and lots of pictures, as I am assuming they will be arriving shortly after your return.
Wade
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