Origin: Royal Fredericksborg Stud in Denmark.
Color: Chestnut in color. Usually the mane and tail are a lighter, flaxen color. White markings on the face and/or legs are common.
Avg Height: 15.1 to 16.1 hh
Avg Weight: 1320 to 1430 lbs
Build: It is a strong, well-built animal with good conformation. The head is well proportioned, with a straight or sometimes convex profile, pointed, mobile ears, and large, expressive eyes; the neck is of medium length, well proportioned and slightly arched and muscular; the withers are pronounced, broad and muscular. The back is short and straight; the croup rounded and broad; the chest high, full and deep; and the shoulder sloping and muscular. The legs are well muscled with strong, broad joints, good bone, and clearly defined tendons. The feet are small and tough.
Temperament: Intelligent and docile but lively temperament.
Main use: Mainly used for light draft and harness work, and for driving and riding.
Special abilities: Original Danish coach-horse. Even though used as a riding horse today, the Frederiksborg has retained is characteristic high carriage action, which has been described as "strong and sweeping." The Frederiksborg is an honest, strong athletic breed, which has been used throughout Europe as a cavalry and high-school mount and as a harness horse. Over the last 100 years this breed has been close to extinction.
History: Developed at the Royal Fredericksborg Stud founded by Frederick II of Denmark in 1562, the Fredericksborg was bred principally from Spanish, Andalusian, and Neapolitan stock, with later infusions of Arab and Thoroughbred blood. It was soon regarded as one of the most elegant riding horses in Europe. The breed was in such great demand at all of the courts that by 1839 the stud had to be disbanded because of the lack of suitable breeding stock. With the few remaining Fredericksborgs left in Denmark, a number of enthusiasts, notably in Seeland, continued the breed, but it is unlikely that the modern Fredericksborg much resembles the original.
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