Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses

05/01/2026

What a wonderful visit with the Outagamie County 4H Horse Project where we showcased the Friesian horse, the work of the Foundation and a tour of Fenway Farms. So many great questions and interest in the Friesian horse. Hope to see you back again soon!

04/30/2026

Happy Hay Day at Fenway!

04/27/2026

Had a great visit with the FVTC Animal Science Fundamentals class today. Thanks so much for visiting!

04/20/2026

Ilsa update! ❤️

Look at that transformation 😍 from sick and severely underweight to healthy, happy, and glowing!

04/06/2026

🎙️NEW EPISODE - MANAGING THE HIGH-RISK MARE

What does it really mean for a mare to be “high-risk” during pregnancy and foaling?🤔 In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ahmed Tibary, Professor of Theriogenology at Washington State University, to break down the most common risk factors, warning signs owners should never ignore, and the decisions that can make the biggest difference for both mare and foal.

🎧 Listen to the Friesian Advocate Podcast on any podcast platform or directly on our website: https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/the-friesian-advocate-podcast

03/25/2026

Mina update!❤️

Mina is doing so well with her family, Margriet and Robert, who spoil and love her unconditionally! Mina recently was introduced to some light training exercises as well!

03/19/2026

Onyx update!💕

Onyx has been enjoying life with his mom Lisa and his best friend BlackBerry! When not being loved on by Lisa, the boys love roaming around their large pasture🥰

03/09/2026

🎙️NEW EPISODE - DISTICHIASIS IN FRIESIAN HORSES!

Dr. Rebecca Bellone joins us to discuss distichiasis, a genetic ocular disease that affects Friesian horses. Learn about the disease, the science behind the associated genetic variant, what incomplete penetrance means, and how testing results can be thoughtfully integrated into breeding programs while preserving genetic diversity.

🤔 DID YOU KNOW? Researchers estimate the allele frequency for the distichiasis variant in the Friesian population is about 32%. To estimate how many horses actually carry the variant, geneticists use a population model called the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. When you apply that math to an allele frequency of about 32%, it suggests that in the Friesian population, you would expect:

• 10% of Friesians have two copies (affected)
• 44% of Friesians carry one copy (carriers)
• 46% of Friesians have no copies (free)

➡️ To learn more about distichiasis testing: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/distichiasis-friesian

🎧 Listen to the Friesian Advocate Podcast on any podcast platform or directly on our website: https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/the-friesian-advocate-podcast

03/05/2026

Sieste update!❤️

Sieste has been doing so well with his mom Mary, who provides such amazing care… he also enjoys the company of his two sheep friends! 🥰

03/02/2026

Do hay nets and slow feeders really help with weight loss… or is it all just marketing? 🤔

- Do smaller mesh sizes really matter?
- Are raised nets hard on the neck?
- Do slow feeders actually help easy keepers?
- Special considerations for Friesians 🖤

We reviewed the research so you don’t have to. 🔬

If you own a Friesian — or any horse that gains weight easily — this one’s worth your time.

📖 Read here:
🔗 https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/post/hay-nets-and-slow-feeders-what-the-research-really-tells-us

Hay nets and slow feeders have become standard equipment in many barns. They are often promoted as tools that mimic natural grazing, reduce boredom, decrease hay waste, and assist with weight control. For Friesian owners in particular, those claims are compelling. Maintaining optimal body condition....

02/26/2026

Darcy Update! 💕

Darcy arrived at Fenway last summer and has been continuing rehab for a hind left leg injury. When he is not progressing in the arena he loves being outside with his friends! 😍