On NPO 2 and Omrop Fryslân

In total, five episodes of It Swarte Goud have been produced. The first episode will air on the following dutch television stations:

• April 2nd, 15.30 on NPO2
• April 3rd, 17:10 on Omrop Fryslân or watch the episode on te following link http://www.omropfryslan.nl/programma/fryslan-dok

When the first episode has aired, the following episodes will air every weekend at the same time and on the same television station.

The names who are being associated with

It Swarte Goud

A film about the Friesian horse that will be completely unique and has never been done before. Omrop Fryslân and the Royal Society ‘het Koninklijk Friesch Paarden- Stamboek’ are setting out to produce a series of documentaries with our Royal Friesians at Centre stage! With exquisite footage of the best stallions and the most beautiful mares. We are aiming to unearth delightful and endearing tales about these special horses, told by exceptional and unique people who will bring these stories to the forefront. But we will also cover topics such as equine history, traditions, customs, characteristics, inspections, life stories, struggles, passion and success. Because Friesian horses are terribly popular and treasured by so many, all over the world.

Surprising really, since our Friesian breed nearly died out some sixty years ago. We simply had no need for them anymore, their agricultural significance became redundant in the wake of the invention of tractors. But since then their numbers have risen again to close to 70,000 Friesian horses. From Aegum (a tiny hamlet in Friesland) to China and from New Zealand to Paraguay. These days they are praised for their outstanding beauty, power, majestic presence, personality and that deep, jet black immaculate coat. As far back as Roman times, the great warriors were known to have a soft spot for that mighty, black phenomenon.

In this documentary we will endeavor to unravel how and why this breed has succeeded in braving all storms. And the effect this breed has on people. For instance, why is it that Zorro was mounted on a Friesian horse? Why is it that a thriller author like Dan Brown keeps Friesian horses? Or Metallica’s guitarist Kirk Hammett? How come a Chinese textiles tycoon owns an entire equine village housing the best of two hundred Friesian horses? It must be all of these feelings that are so difficult to put in words that bring tears to the eyes of Friesian expatriates on the mention of Friesian horses.

Royal families all over the world have Friesian horses in their stables; they act in Hollywood films, inspire artists and circus performers to create spectacular shows and moving performances. And numerous owners of large and small breeding yards, enthusiasts and users – each and every one special – are willing to give it their all and do anything to preserve and improve their beloved breed. Each in their own way, all looking for the ideal horse, the Black Gold, captured in a unique series which will picture the magic of Friesian horses in an unprecedented way.