Testimonials
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“When I went looking for my Friesian I visited some large breeding operations. I quickly realized those horses had barely been handled, were skittish and were not at all typical of the breed. From the minute I arrived at Poetry in Motion the horses made it obvious it was a different environment. They were the typical friendly pocket pets you expect in the breed. You won't believe the time, effort and handling that goes into each of these babies. Exceptional quality horses with the care and handling only a small operation can provide.”
"Thank you so much for taking such great care of my Friesian mare during her stay with you! I couldn't have asked for better care or a better barn atmosphere. I love the way you handle your horses! Always making sure they get attention every day. I love that you let your foals mingle with everyone that comes to the barn. Thanks for handling my mare as if she were one of your own and being truly concerned for her well-being. I can promise you we will be back.”
"In 2008, while at the Hoosier Horse Fair, we watched a Poetry in Motion demonstration of their horses. We instantly fell in love with the Friesian Breed with their elegant movements. We were looking for a new place to take our daughter Elizabeth for riding lessons, so we took one of their cards. Joy and Paula invited us out for a tour of their farm. We took them up on the offer and the rest is history. The temperament of this breed just captivated us and our daughter. Elizabeth has been a working student for them ever since. As a working student she has learned there is more to riding horses than just saddling up and going. She has learned so much about total horsemanship and care taking. Elizabeth hopes to own a Friesian of her own someday. We are so thankful we found Poetry In Motion Farm and the great people there. ”
"In 2009 we took our 2 year old Stallion to our first Friesian horse show, the Ohio Valley Friesian Horse Association Show. I had no idea what I was getting into. As I arrived, and running late, that morning I met the staff of Poetry in Motion. They were right down the aisle from us and offered us assistance. They jumped in to help out with grooming and showing our Friesian Stallion, Zaan. The patience, guidance and knowledge they offered that weekend was fantastic. Poetry in Motion then took our young stallion to the International Friesian Show Horse Association's Friesian World and Grand National Championship Horse Show in St. Louis, MO where he took Reserve Champion in his halter division. Since then they have taken Zaan to several other events where he has always been in the winner's circle. In 2011 Zaan was Grand Champion in the English Pleasure Open division at the Ohio Valley Friesian Horse Association Show, a result I could not have possibly envisioned when our journey began with Zaan and Poetry in Motion. We can always be assured that when he is on their farm he gets top notch care and handling. They provide championship caliber care and it shows in everything from the daily care of the horses at the farm to the winners circle in the show.”
A few words about us
Our goal is to provide top quality bloodlines, impeccable care, and the one on one attention to each mare and foal to produce well-mannered, and happy Friesians.
With black as night coats and hair that flows from their manes to their tails along with their gorgeous feathers, their beauty has made the horse world take notice and the popularity of Friesian's is growing rapidly.
In the summer of 1998 a visit to Texas returned home Seona v. V, and Poetry in Motion Farm was born. Because the Midwest does not have many options when searching for the perfect Friesian horse, the dream of starting a quality breeding program to promote and offer this beautiful breed to others began.
Poetry in Motion's main objective is quality not quantity. Through selective breeding Poetry in Motion has produced International Friesian ShowHorse Association (IFSHA) World Grand Champions, a Ster Mare and a first premium filly. We are on our way!
About the Breed
The Friesian Horse is a native to the Dutch province of Friesland. In the late 1800's the breed had diminished in numbers where only a small number were left. Alarmed at the prospect of the disappearance of their only native breed, a group of Dutch Farmers established the first Friesian Breeding Registry. Due to wars and industrialization by the1950's there were only three Approved stallions along with a few hundred-quality mares. It is from this group of horses that all of today's registered Friesian Horses descend.
In the 1970's the Germans recognized the potential for the Friesian Horse in sport. There were enough Friesians that had the up and outward movement and forward motion required for Sport Horses. The German Registry has recognized and encouraged the breeding of the Friesian Horse for their Sport Horse abilities.
Having both the Dutch and German Registries has doubled the success of the Friesian Horse. Both Registries have entered the United States and each is forming sound foundations for beautiful, high performing Friesians.
Today the Friesian is competing and winning at all levels of dressage. They are showing at open shows in all disciplines from western pleasure to park horse under saddle. They are being used for driving competition and carriage use as well as just for trail riding and being a part of the family.
Characteristics
Without a doubt, the black coat of the Friesian will impress you at first sight. Bays and grays occurred earlier in the breed, but now black is the only recognized color. A small white forehead star is also allowed. Other obvious characteristics are the long heavy mane and tail and the Shire-like fetlock hair.
Use
The Friesian horse is enjoying a revival. He is a noteworthy sight in the show ring. His shiny black coat, flying mane and tail, and high action form an imposing image. The Friesian is, by nature, a talented show horse.
Harness shows
The aim of showing in harness is to bring out the best in one's horse. The horse should be balanced in a fast, high-action trot, roomy from the shoulder and powerful in the hindquarters. The total picture is one of lively harmony, with ears pricked attentively forward. Harness events in shows are usually driven with a high-wheeled gig, the "sjees", for singles, pairs, and tandems. Driving with four-wheeled show carts is also gaining popularity.
Recreational and Competition Driving
Driving one or more Friesian horses has become increasingly popular in the past few years. Tough international competitions are only for the few, but there are many who derive relaxation and pleasure from driving Friesians for recreation. He who wants to perfect his driving and test his skill against others, can do so at the many dressage driving events.
Riding
The Friesian horse has a talent for dressage. The foundation lies in his intelligence, willingness to learn, and readiness to perform. His pleasant character and his gentleness make the Friesian an attractive mount for competition as well as for recreational purposes. The riding club "De Oorsprong" (the source), from Huis ter Heide near St. Nicolaasga in Friesland, has been using only Friesian horses since 1937 in order to advertise their abilities as riding horses.
Tilting at the ring
This traditional sport is still enthusiastically practiced throughout Holland. One can see Friesians pulling a wide assortment of carriages at these events.
Quadrille
The Friesian quadrille is a well-appreciated show number. It is comprised of 8 sjees, drawn by Friesians, driven by gentlemen accompanied by a lady, both dressed in traditional costumes like those worn in the 1850's. Complex patterns are driven, showing the drivers' trust in the obedience of their horses.
Costume Classes
The Friesian temperament is ideally suited to playing! From knights in armour to medieval ladies costume, the Friesian will wow crowds in any setting.