Friesians: The Friesian is an ancient breed going back at least as far as the 13th century and in all likelihood even farther. It hails from Friesland in the Netherlands and through the 16th century was used primarily as a destrier, or Knight's horse for battle. Threatened with extinction in the early years of the 20th century, the breed gradually bounced back and is now enjoying new popularity as a dressage and riding horse. Friesians are always black in color, no markings of any kind save a for a small white star are permissable in the studbook of registered Friesian horses. There are two registrys for Friesian horses. Number One: The FPS, the Dutch registry, which has as it's North American affiliate, FHANA. Number Two: The German registry, called the FPZV, and it's North American affiliate, the FHS. Standing generally between 15 and 16 hands, they are most known for their fabulous action, which includes a powerful yet floating trot, the rich black coloring, and their heavy mane, tail and feathering. They are also blessed with willing and affectionate temperaments, intelligence, loyalty and good sense. All around, the perfect fairytale horse!

Gypsy Cobs: ( Also called Tinker Cobs, Gypsy Vanners, and Irish Cobs ) Bred for hundreds of years by the gypsys, or Romany people, of Ireland to pull their romantic living caravans, Gypsy Cobs have only recently been brought to the United States. There are still very few of these horses in this country. Famous for their incredibly thick feathering, thick manes and tails, they stand usually around 14 to 15 hands. Cobs were considered part of the gypsy's family and as such had to be entirely dependable, docile and hard working. Through the years, any horses that did not meet these requirements were culled. This has led to the gypsy cobs of today being one of the best family horses around. As of this writing there is no officially recognized registry in the United States for these horses, though there are many in development. There is however a government sanctioned registry in Ireland and other countries in Europe. Close your eyes and picture a beautifully carved and painted caravan pulled by a black and white pinto horse, thick mane and tail and feathers flying. Imagine yourself either sitting astride this wondrous steed or at the reins of this romantic wagon. Now we ask you; does it get any more fairytale than that?
Click here to see one of these extraordinary wagons for yourself.
Like to find out more about where exactly these horses come from?

Click below
Ireland and Ballinasloe Gypsy Horse Fair
...to see a photojournal of a recent trip to Ireland to the Ballinasloe Gypsy Horse Fair! Dozens of pictures to drool over...

Fell Ponies:Wild Ponies have existed in the Fells ( or hills) of Britain since about 1500 BC. During the Roman occuptaion of Great Britain in the first centuries AD war horses were brought over and left to cross with the native ponies. Friesians, Warmbloods, and others thus became part of the ancestry of this hardy breed native to the UK. Fells stand roughly at 13.2 hands, with 14 hands being the tallest allowed by the Fell Pony Society, the official registry of Fells in the U.K.. They come in mostly black, with brown, bay and grey also appearing occasionally. Their manes and tails are full, and their feathering is profuse and silky. Known for their versatility, easy keeping, brains and good looks, Fell Ponies are struggling to recover from the rare breeds lists. Toadstool Farm is proud to be a part of the efforts to preserve this fairytale breed!

Arabian: Oh the Arabian, the original fairytale horse. Out of the hot desert came the Arabian horse, one of the original horse breeds. Considered a hot-blooded horse, they were known as one of the bedouins' finest treasures. They are known to bond so strongly to their humans and to consider themselves so much a part of the family that with their innate intelligence they can seem highly opinionated! They are revered as horses of extreme beauty, brains, endurance and courage. They come in a variety of colors and heights, though average is about 14 to 15 hands. The AHRA is the official registry of Arabian horses in the United States. With it's history and it's fame as the horse that would die trying, and having been immortalized in so many famous horse stories, the most well known being probably, "The Black Stallion" Arabians could be considered one of the world's first fairytale horse breeds!