It isn’t just IFSHA - any “breed show circuit” is designed specifically so horses don’t have to compete against all breeds. Many of the breeds have their show circuits - Arabian, Morgan, Andalusian, Friesian, the list goes on. These show circuits are great because it gives people and their horses a chance to compete on “equal footing” - but the best-of-the-best of the performance horses also tend to compete on the open circuit as well.
I stopped by as I was traveling for work in the area, and was disappointed by the turnout too - the economy, whatever, I agree, the small classes mean much less competition. There was not much emphasis on the sport horse type, so if that is what you were looking for at IFSHA, I don’t think it was the forum…
There are many reputable Friesian breeders, and Friesian cross breeders, you just have to look - and realize IFSHA is not the only resource. I have a Friesian cross stallion who showed through Grand Prix on the open circuit - Cadence - and breed some nice crosses as well. We register with AWS and Friesian Heritage Horse. FHH has inspections, DNA requirements, and different divisions for sport horse type or “utility” type - aka the fun, every day riding horse. So it helps educate people that not all crosses are sport horses, and gives them a valid registration option with differentiation between different types of horses. It also has programs to support and encourage showing on the “open” circuit, as well as supporting USDF awards.
Every registry is different, all have their strengths - both the purebred and crossbred registries (and there are multiple registries for both!). When looking for a Friesian, realize some breeders emphasize the sport type - such as Iron Springs Farm, and others are focused on the driving type, or saddle seat type. So before looking for a breeder, you need to decide what type of horse you are interested in, then narrow your focus.
