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A Little History

The Friesian (also Frisian) horse is a breed of horse from Friesland, a province of the Netherlands. Although the breed's conformation resembles that of a light draft horse, Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. During the Middle Ages, the ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horses throughout continental Europe. Through the Early Middle Ages and High Middle Ages, their size enabled them to carry a knight in armor. In the Late Middle Ages, heavier, draft type animals were needed. Though the breed nearly became extinct on more than one occasion, the modern day Friesian horse is growing in numbers and popularity, used both in harness and under saddle. Most recently, the breed is being introduced to the field of dressage.

 

Testimonials

Its mane in the wind,
Its tail starts to fly
And when it turns around
and looks at me
my heart leaps off the earth,
to see the Friesian.
-- M.C., Redding, CT

"I'm so glad I discovered Gray Friesian Farm. I've been riding for many years, and have worked with lots of trainers, but I've learned so much from Kirsten. She's brilliant at solving the problems that I've developed over the years, with meaningful instruction and illustration. I feel like my riding's improved tremendously!"
--K. R., Shelton, CT

As a child, I rode competitively for years and learned everything I could about winning - but nothing about the horse. I was never taught "horsemanship" or the psychology of the horse. I had started riding as a kid because I loved my horse, but quit because that relationship was never nurtured and the sport became meaningless. When my husband and I rescued several PMU foals, Kirsten's patient training, keen eye, and thoughtful approach to us both (horses and humans) rekindled what was so exciting to me as a child: the amazing bond between horse and rider. She has helped us get our wild yearlings under saddle, taught our entire family (grown ups and children) to ride with confidence and respect, and enriched our lives by opening our world to a life with horses again!
We love Gray Friesian Farm!
-- The D. Family. Fairfield, CT

A Friesian.
Across the ring comes a burning fire
A pretty blanket
Who excels at Dressage
Magnificent thunder gleams in the sun
At night, it blends with the stars and plays with the moon
No other creature could soar like a Friesian
It gallops to X and canters to A
The black mane flies with the wind
Idsy. . .Tammie. . .Jannus. . .Jorrit. . .Hidde
A dark dancer
Who loves the music at Gray Friesian Farm
A simple wonder
Just a normal day with Friesians.
-- J.C., Redding, CT

One quote - "If it's not a Friesian, it's just a horse."

I have been riding for over 17 years....thus having experience with A LOT of trainers. When I look for a good trainer I have a long list of expectations and Kirsten meets them all! What I love most about Gray Friesian Farm is the family aspect. Every horse and rider are treated with tender love and care. Gray Friesian Farm is a wonderful learning center with the basis of improving communication between horse and rider. It is an a privilege to be apart of such a fantastic environment!
-- A.G., Norwalk, CT

I was referred to Kirsten after a major riding accident on my young filly, to help me decide whether or not we were a fit. Kirsten has been one of the most therapeutic people in my life, allowing me to conquer my sudden developed fear of my filly, and give me back the love of horses, that was in question. The most important thing was I was able to feel safe, and gain proper control through the use of proper aides. Beroe, my filly was 4 when we began working together, and it was truly Kirsten's spirit and belief in the horse that persuaded me to keep the faith and work under her, over two years now. Kirsten teaches dressage which basically means movement, correct safe movement, which I now believe is essential for anyone mounting a horse. She teaches with a firm balance of the proper riding technique, fundamentally keeping her riders safe, and horses happy. She has an amazing teaching style, and can drive her point across with a multitude of techniques. As long as I own a horse, I will always be involved with Kirsten, for she is the quintessential riding instructor, who always puts safety first, and with myself becoming a new mom, is important to me. I am looking forward for my daughter to take a few steps, and then mount a horse under her.
--L. T., Newtown, CT

"Before the girls first started riding at GFF, they were riding at another barn every other weekend. We started riding at GFF on the free weekends. After two rides at GFF, the girls refused to go back to the other barn. They would rather have no riding lesson that weekend than have to go anywhere but GFF."
-- J.C., Redding, CT

I am a senior citizen who is passionate about horses but never had the opportunity to ride earlier in my life. I am so happy to have found a place that is oriented to safe riding and handling of horses. Kirsten Gray of Gray Friesian Farm is an expert horse trainer. Kirsten regularly rides and trains her horses to assure that they are willing to “listen” to their riders. At the farm riders are expertly trained by Kirsten and other instructors in kinesthetic “aids”. These aids are signals through which your body speaks to the horse. Amazingly the horses understand and respond to these tiny movements. If you have ever dreamt of forming a relationship with these magnificent animals I highly recommend Gray Friesian Farm.
-- J.E., Newtown, CT

"We came for the beautiful horses but stay for the wonderful people. There is much to like about GFF. The Grays are friendly and down-to-earth, the teaching is supportive and well explained, the riding style is balanced and subtle, the location is beautiful, the facilities are excellent, and the horses are gorgeous and treated like pets."
-- The C. Family, Redding, CT

If you want to learn how to ride a horse or if you already ride but want to improve your riding skills you couldn’t do better than having Kirsten Gray give you dressage lessons. She gives her complete attention to every lesson focusing on any problems you may be having and then telling you what needs to be done to correct them. Her daughter Jannike is also a wonderful teacher and is The Connecticut Dressage Association blue ribbon winner 2007.
-- B. E., Newtown, CT