In 2001, the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA), a California not-for-profit corporation, was created and dedicated to the promotion, showing and exhibition of the Friesian Horse and its derivatives. Our goal is to provide a way for the Friesian breed to obtain membership with US Equestrian Federation (USEF formerly called USA Equestrian/ American Horse Shows Assn.). Our sole purpose is to provide a USEF-rated show circuit for the Friesian horse. It is important to note that IFSHA is NOT a breed registry.

In July 2004, IFSHA was successful in working with US Equestrian Federation to gain recognition for the Friesian as a breed in the U.S. and to help ensure competitive consistency for exhibitors and competitors, whether amateur or professional. Already our members have united to host shows and reach out to other Friesian enthusiasts through annual inspections, fun schooling shows, exhibitions, formal competition, and other events designed to promote the Friesian-bred horse.

Every horse with Friesian blood should be able to connect with and preserve their authentic Dutch heritage. IFSHA intends to reach out to all people with Friesian-bred horses and bring them together to protect, promote and establish a harmonious show community.

IFSHA has created an infrastructure similar to the USEF with Directors, Regional Show Committees, and Rules Committees that serve membership throughout North America. The Regional Show Committees are responsible for the support and enhancement of the Friesian-bred horse show circuit, as well as special programs. IFSHA also offers its' membership Education - Mentorship and Youth Programs. IFSHA will continue to add new shows and enhance available classes at existing shows into the future.

The show circuit will provide a whole new arena for people to enjoy competing with their horses. It will also serve to introduce others to the world of the Friesian horse. Ideally, these shows would allow anyone with a Friesian-bred horse, interested in showing, and even a modest budget, new venues to compete with their horses.

Each year IFSHA will hold rated, regional and Grand National competitions where we will reward Regional and Grand National Champions. IFSHA also offers an annual awards program, recognizing Friesians and Junior Exhibitors for their accomplishments, as well as rewarding IFSHA multi-championed annual high-point competitors. Special Awards will be given as earned to reward extraordinary Friesian-bred horses with lifetime achievement recognition, and annually to acknowledge those who have made outstanding contributions to the success of the IFSHA Regional Show Committees.

Our intent is to provide unity for all Friesians, a new way to inform the world about this special breed of horse, to protect the Friesian-bred horse, and a way for people to safely enjoy their horses, to win recognition, and to form long lasting-friendships.