Horse breeds · from TrotleyFriesian weight and height, with the genetic tests and eye care owners ask about
Friesians average 15.2 to 16 hands and 1,300 pounds or more, and a short list of inherited conditions, tested at UC Davis, shapes how the breed is bred and registered.
Short answer
A Friesian averages 15.2 to 16 hands and weighs 1,300 pounds or more.
The Friesian Horse Association of North America says 15.2 to 16.0 hands (62 to 64 inches) is average, although many horses are taller or shorter, and gives an average weight of 1,300 pounds (590 kg) plus. Oklahoma State University describes the breed as standing at 15 hands.
Friesian Horse Association of North America and Oklahoma State University
| Source | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Friesian Horse Association of North America (average) | 15.2 to 16.0 hands | 1,300+ lb |
| Association (adult studbook minimum, stallions at age four) | 15.3 hands (1.60 m) | Not given |
| Association (adult studbook minimum, mares and geldings) | 15.0 hands (1.54 m) | Not given |
| Oklahoma State University | 15 hands | Not given |
The association gives the studbook minimums in metres. A hand is 4 inches.
Why the sources differ on height
Oklahoma State’s 15 hands is a general description. The association’s average is a hand taller, and its studbook sets minimums by sex: stallions must reach 15.3 hands by age four, and mares and geldings 15.0 hands, to enter the adult books. Oklahoma State also notes that in the 1600s the breed was used to carry heavy weight under saddle, and was later bred lighter for its trot.
Daily hay for a 1,300 pound Friesian
The arithmetic uses 1,300 pounds, the association’s average. The association says “plus”, so a heavy-boned horse needs a higher starting figure.
Merck gives 2 to 2.5% of body weight in feed dry matter as the usual starting range for a healthy adult, with at least half from forage, 1.5 to 2% as the goal for a horse that needs to lose weight when laminitis is not a worry, and 1.25% as the floor. The figures below are our arithmetic from 1,300 lb, counting hay as 90% dry matter, which is our assumption.
- 1.5% of body weight: 20 lb (9 kg) of dry matter, about 22 lb (10 kg) of hay
- 2% of body weight: 26 lb (12 kg) of dry matter, about 29 lb (13 kg) of hay
- 2.5% of body weight: 33 lb (15 kg) of dry matter, about 36 lb (16 kg) of hay
A weight tape example for a Friesian
The horse weight calculator runs the adult equation from the Merck Veterinary Manual: measure heart girth and body length in inches, square the girth, multiply by the length and divide by 330 to get pounds. A heart girth of 77 inches and a body length of 72 inches gives 77 x 77 = 5,929, times 72 = 426,888, divided by 330 = about 1,294 lb (587 kg). Those measurements are our illustration of the formula, not a real horse.
Merck says the equation slightly underestimates real weight and that tapes are the least accurate tool, though useful for tracking change. A calibrated scale is the ideal, so measure the same way each time if you cannot reach one.
Dwarfism and hydrocephalus tests
UC Davis describes Friesian dwarfism as an inherited condition, recessive, with short limbs, a broad chest and reduced bodyweight. There is no treatment, but UC Davis calls the prognosis good and says some affected horses are even ridden. Hydrocephalus is a recessive fluid build-up in the brain, and foals are aborted, stillborn or born with severe neurological problems.
A DNA test exists for each, and UC Davis recommends both for Friesians and Friesian crosses, because two carriers have a 25% chance of an affected foal. It adds that the hydrocephalus test is mandatory for registering stallions and mares with the Friesian Horse Society, geldings excepted. A 2018 FHANA article says the Dutch studbook requires approved stallions to be tested for both.
Eyelashes and eye care
UC Davis calls distichiasis, eyelashes growing from glands along the eyelid edge, rare in horses, with most cases in Friesians. The lashes can scratch the cornea and cause ulcers, and a genetic test is available. Horses with two copies of the variant should have regular eye exams, so ask your vet how often. Irritation or squinting is a reason to call your vet.
Heavy feathering and lower legs
UC Davis lists Friesians among the breeds in which chronic progressive lymphedema has been described, with early thickening of the lower legs that heavy feather can hide. Check the legs by hand, and show your vet any thick, crusty or itchy skin.
Body condition
Merck advises a score of 4 to 6 on the 9 point Henneke scale, and the University of Georgia describes a 5 as ribs that cannot be seen but are easily felt. Score your Friesian monthly and log it with the weight estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Friesian weigh?
The Friesian Horse Association of North America gives an average of 1,300 pounds (590 kg) plus.
How tall is a Friesian?
The association says 15.2 to 16.0 hands, or 62 to 64 inches, is average, and many horses are taller or shorter. Oklahoma State gives 15 hands.
Can a Friesian carry a 200 pound rider?
The University of Minnesota reports that an average adult light riding horse can comfortably carry about 20% of its ideal bodyweight, rider and tack included. For 1,300 pounds that is about 260 pounds, so a 200 pound rider with 25 pounds of tack is inside it. Fitness and conformation change the answer.
Should I test my Friesian for dwarfism and hydrocephalus?
UC Davis recommends both tests for Friesians and Friesian crosses to avoid carrier by carrier matings. Ask your vet or registry which results apply to your horse.
Sources
- Friesian Horse Association of North America, FAQ
- Friesian Horse Association of North America, Genetic Testing and Your Friesians (Oct/Nov 2018)
- Oklahoma State University, Breeds of Livestock: Friesian Horses
- UC Davis Center for Equine Health, Friesian dwarfism
- UC Davis Center for Equine Health, Hydrocephalus
- UC Davis Center for Equine Health, Distichiasis
- UC Davis Center for Equine Health, Chronic progressive lymphedema
- University of Minnesota Extension, Guidelines for weight-carrying capacity of horses
- University of Georgia Extension, Feeding strategies for peak performance in horses (B 1365)
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Nutritional Requirements of Horses and Other Equids
Checked on October 2, 2026.
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See TrotleyMore in Horse breeds
- PercheronA Percheron averages about 1,900 pounds and stands 16.2 to 17.3 hands, with some up to 2,600 pounds.
- ClydesdaleA Clydesdale weighs 1,600 to 1,800 pounds and stands 16.2 to 18 hands, and some stallions and geldings reach 2,200 pounds.
- HanoverianHanoverians stand 16 to 17.2 hands, and warmbloods as a group average 1,300 pounds.
- AndalusianAndalusians usually stand about 15.2 hands, and a fair weight estimate is 1,000 to 1,300 pounds.
- American Paint HorseA Paint Horse stands 14.2 to 15.2 hands and weighs about what a Quarter Horse does, 1,000 to 1,300 pounds.
- American Quarter HorseMost Quarter Horses weigh 1,000 to 1,300 pounds and stand 14.2 to 15.2 hands.
- Horse weight calculatorFree tool: Estimate a horse’s weight from heart girth and body length with the formulas in the Merck Veterinary Manual, for adults, yearlings and weanlings.
