Fredericksborg horses are one of the oldest and purest of the warmblood breeds.  Individuals today have lineage traceable to 1562.  King Frederik II of Denmark, founded the Royal Fredericksborg Stud mid-sixteenth century, using the Neapolitan horse and the forerunners of the Andalusian horse.  These horses were bred for Haute-Ecole, warfare, parades and ceremonial use, and for use as stylish and uniform carriage horses.  Breeding animals were selected for expressive movement, intelligence and temperament which created individuals that were ahead of their time in movement and conformation.  Fredericksborgs were highly sought after by the Europeans, and by the 18th century were being exported in large numbers.  A grey Fredericksborger stallion born in 1765, Pluto, became a foundation stallion for the Lipizanner stud.   

Today the numbers of Frederiksborgers are low, with just fifteen individuals currently in the US.  The remaining examples are handsome horses. They are most often vividly marked chestnuts with flaxen manes and tails , though there are bays, buckskins, palominos, and greys as well. The gaits of the Frederiksborger are expressive and powerful, with natural self-carriage. The trot is showy with a long stride, while the canter shows great ability for collection.  The walk is diligent and open. Due to their early maturing and steady temperament, and their easily ridden gaits, these horses make exceptional mounts for amateur riders.

There is currently one Fredericksborg breeder/importer in the US: Hans Christensen, of Yale, Oklahoma.  For more information see his site: http://www.frederiksborgusa.com/