Friesian horses are an undeniably eye-catching breed. Their flowing mane and tail, sleek black coat, and stoic nature is an incredible visual combination. Friesians are also loved because they’re known to be easily trained, making them great animals to work with on a production set. Their calm demeanor makes them a preferred breed by on-set trainers.

It’s no wonder Friesians are such a popular choice for television shows and movies. Whether it be Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Amazon Video, no matter your preferred streaming service, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a Friesian horse! Here’s a list of popular TV shows and movies you can stream online that feature Friesian horses.

Netflix Original: Free Rein

If you enjoy a good horse series, you won’t miss Free Rein! The first season was filmed in 2017, with the third and final season released in the fall of 2021. The main character, Zoe, befriends a mysterious horse, a Friesian. Her journey is filled with twists and turns. The main star, Raven, is a gorgeous jet-black Friesian cross.

Netflix Original: Bridgerton (Season 2)

Bridgerton captured the attention and hearts of Netflix watchers around the world. This period piece has been a hit, but there’s more to the story than romance and drama. Did you know this series is full of horses and features a Friesian?

One of the leading characters, Jonathan Bailey, rides a black Spanish Friesian horse named Jack.

Each actor had their own horse on the set. In fact, the horse trainer, Steve Dent, tried to give the returning actors the same horse they had in the first season because they grew so attached to them. The set features over 250 carriages, and all carriage horses returned for the second season.

Netflix Original: Persuasion

You may have seen the latest release on Netflix, Persuasion, starring Dakota Johnson. This entertaining Jane Austen-type film is a great family-friendly film. It is filled with dry humor and a few odd characters. My favorite part, of course, was the pair of Friesian horses pulling the carriages through several scenes. This lovely team perfectly represents a classic Friesian job during this period.

Amazon Prime: Ladyhawke

Friesians were used as war horses in Europe during the Middle Ages, so it makes sense that we see them this way in movies. Specifically, Ladyhawke introduced even more people to the Friesian horse.  Rutger Hauer, the hero in this 1985 medieval fantasy film, rides his mount, Goliath. Goliath was played by Othello, a stunning 19-year-old Friesian stallion. The film’s plot is about a young thief who gets involved with the warrior against his wishes.

Ladyhawke is thought to be the film that brought the Friesian breed back from disappearing. At the time, fewer than 100 Friesians were in the United States. 

Amazon Prime: The Chronicles of Narnia Series

The Chronicles of Narnia is a well-known and loved book series that was turned into a film franchise. While the films are full of real and magical creatures, the Narnian Friesian horses have a special presence. For example. Philip was a talking Narnian horse. He served Aslan and his army during the Winter Revolution.

Wabe, the Friesian playing Philip, was New Zealand’s first cinema horse. He had also previously had a career as a dressage horse. Wabe lived to a ripe old age of 24.