With its lustrous mane and ebony coat, the statuesque Friesian is an ancient breed of working horse, but its imposing size belies a gentle and friendly temperament combined with a love of human interaction
THE SEPTEMBER SKY is flushed with light as the sun bursts through ribboned clouds, flooding the valley of Cartmel in a rose-tinted glow. Narrow country lanes wind through a tapestry of green, encircled by a necklace of low hills that tumble in successive waves to the coast.
Rising above this pastoral idyll sit the Grade II listed barns of Greenbank Farm, which appear to merge into the fellside. Boasting 75 acres of land in the Lake District National Park, the farmhouse commands unrivalled views of the valley below. But, for all its beauty, it is the farm’s family of striking Friesian horses that stirs the most awe and captures the hearts of visitors.
In the yard, the sound of hooves resonates from a large, black horse as it trots with a powerful, yet light-footed, gait towards a family newly arrived. Nostrils flared, and small, sickle-shaped ears pricked to the slightest movements, she sniffs the newcomers with a gentle inquisition before lowering her head for a scratch. This is Anja, one of 14 Friesians that reside on the farm, along with Mr J B, an 11-year-old miniature Shetland pony.
With their long, flowing manes and distinctive jet black coats, gleaming with the sheen of richest satin, the Friesian exudes a persona that sets it apart from all other breeds. While seemingly large and imposing, their appearance belies a friendly and docile temperament, which the breed is known for, making the horses very suited to life at Greenbank Farm.
“They are a very kind, intuitive and tolerant breed, particularly if people take the time to understand them,” explains Tracey Alexander, founder of The Friesian Experience, which offers visitors the opportunity to spend time with the horses and learn more about them. “They do have variations in temperament: some will be more anxious; others will have a more active brain and need greater stimulation. But, generally, they love human attention, and most will stand to be cuddled and adored all day.”
After training in the management of Thoroughbreds at Witney College, near Oxford, Tracey became involved in the racing industry, working predominantly with young racehorses in France, the USA and South Africa. Upon returning to the UK, she eventually moved to Cumbria. “The farm has been in the family for more than 100 years and was previously home to my great-grandfather Major Tom Dixon, who successfully bred Thoroughbreds. I have always had a passion for black horses, and when I discovered the Friesian, I started looking into them. They are the only horse for me now.”
Ancient roots
Originating from Friesl
