Marla and Todd Haenel operate Lone Star Friesians. The ranch is located in picturesque
Seguin, Texas. Everyone at Lone Star Friesians is in the business for the love
of equines. The Friesian is a magnificent breed and we are dedicated to matching
the right horse to the right owner. We love each of our horses and will ensure
that each horse has the best care, whether at our home or at their new home. Our
mission is to breed quality Friesians and crosses with intelligence, temperament,
and animated gaits to perpetuate the pure breed and enhance the crosses. Marla
- I have been riding and teaching children for a number of years. I stopped teaching
when my faithful schooling mare was diagnosed with an unusual ovarian problem
related to a bad birth when cared for by previous owners. This encouraged me to
be an extra conscientious breeder, breeding for quality and making sure all horses
receive the best care. This costs more, but I would rather have fewer horses of
higher quality than sacrifice any one horse's well being due to monetary reasons.
Driving carriages also opened a new world of horses, introducing me to all the
driving breeds. Of course, the most gorgeous, diverse horse is the Friesian! How
could I not fall in love? I have recently been introduced to the Parelli Natural
Horsemanship and am working towards certification at each of the three levels.
Todd - I work as an Equine Veterinary Technician at the local Equine Hospital
and have been working in the industry for over six years. I have become quite
experienced in all aspects of horse care. Marla and I met driving carriages. She
looked so cute driving that carriage! I have recently become involved with miniature
donkeys and have two Jennies - Carol Jean and Janna Eclipse. Carol Jean will be
blessing us with a foal in the near future. I am quite excited about the future
of my "little" herd. Lone Star Friesians offers a variety of mares for your breeding
considerations, being registered with FHS/FPZV. Crossbreeding is offered on a
limited basis. These magnificent horses come from one of Europe's oldest warmblood
breeds. Just a century ago, they were near extinction. Friesians are thriving
today due to the efforts of dedicated breeders who share a love for these extraordinary
horses. Although they are thriving, Friesians are still considered a rare breed.
A descendent of Equus robustus, the Friesian can be traced back to 1000 BC. Arabian
blood was introduced during the 16th century by means of Andalusian horses from
Spain. This explains where they get the high knee action, small head, and craning
neck. They have avoided the Thoroughbred influence and been pure bred for the
last two centuries. The Dutch have ensured the breed's quality through strict
breeding requirements. Friesians were imported to the United States as early as
1625. Tragically, the breed became extinct in the United States due to crossbreeding.
They were reintroduced in the early 1970's. By the early 1980's, Friesians were
popular enough to support a national association and a national show. Physical
Description & Characteristics: Friesians are bred to be black. There are some
rare occurrences of a chestnut or brown color. This is not allowed in the registry.
Only a white star on the forehead is permissible, no white markings on the body
or legs. They have long, luxurious manes and tails. Their legs have prominent
fetlock hair, known as feathers. Trimming of the feathers, mane or tail is frowned
upon. The Friesian is a powerful horse. They hold their heads high, full of pride
with a curved neck. The vibrant gait is natural. The body is strong and deep with
a sloping shoulder. The hindquarters are sloping with a low tail set. Registered
stallions must be at least 15.3 hands by 4 years and mares must be at least 14.3
hands. The mares average 1300 lbs., more for the stallions and geldings. Friesians
are known to be intelligent, energetic and easy to train. They are gentle, sensitive,
and willing to please. Friesians have been used in all disciplines. Their versatility
brings them lasting value to any owner. Lone Star, Friesians, Friesian, Friesian
Horse, Horse, Horses, Foal, Colt, Baby, Sire, Dam, Mare, Mares, Stallion, Stallions,
Champion, Champions, Blood line, Black, Beauty, Sales, Equines, Equine, Friesen,
Frisen, Frisian, Breed, Bred, Breeding, Seguin, San Antonio, Austin, Houston,
Central, Hill Country, Tex, TX, Texas
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