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 was to provide a way for the Friesian breed to obtain membership with US Equestrian Federation 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. 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 and part-bred Friesian horse.

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

IFSHA has created an infrastructure similar to the USEF with a Board of Directors. Our USEF Friesian Committee helps establish rules for the showing of our horses. IFSHA also offers its' membership Education - Mentorship and Youth Programs. IFSHA will continue to promote new shows and enhance available classes at existing shows into the future. IFSHA puts on one show per year, the World and Grand National Show. All other shows are approved to host IFSHA classes but IFSHA is not the organizer.

The show circuit provides 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 horse (or Friesian derivative of 50% or more), interested in showing, on even a modest budget, new venues to compete with their horses.

Each year IFSHA will hold a rated Grand National competitions where we will reward our 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.

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 horse and its derivatives, and a way for people to safely enjoy their horses, to win recognition, and to form long lasting-friendships.