The KFPS is recognised as the worldwide studbook for the Friesian horse and is the world-wide authority on the Friesian horse. The KFPS has organised the national societies in the World Friesian Horse Association (WFHO). The Koninklijke Vereniging "Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek" (KFPS) is the oldest studbook in the Netherlands and promotes the interests of the Friesian horse in the broadest sense of the word. The KFPS has been realizing this by the meticulous registration of Friesian horses since the time it was founded in 1879. In addition, the KFPS has established a breeding program to maintain and further refine the unique characteristics of the Friesian horse.
The KFPS is an international studbook with at least 12.000 members of which almost half are located outside of the Netherlands. Friesian horses can be found on every continent in more than 70 countries. The registration of horses in other countries is done by the KFPS in Drachten through local associations affiliated with the KFPS. Friesian horses in the Netherlands and other countries are inspected according to KFPS standards by jury members trained by the KFPS.
The interest in the Friesian horse has exploded in recent decades. As a result, the breed now has a population of 70,000 registered horses. More and more horse lovers are impressed by their regal bearing, their suitability for both recreational and professional equestrian sports, and their friendly character.