(TMU) — The majestic horse—beast of fame and legend. Those magnificent steeds who once carried kings and knights into battle have come a long way. Believed to have been domesticated in Asia between 3000 and 4000 B.C., they were initially used for meat and milk and at some point moved up in the ranks, joining oxen in the transportation of goods.

The Friesian horse breed originated in Friesland in northern Netherland. They were mentioned as far back as the 4th century as war horses, ridden by Friesian troops. From the Early Middle Ages and High Middle Ages, Friesians’ were in high demand as war horses. Graceful and nimble, they were able to carry a knight in full armor with ease. Although they were on the brink of extinction on more than one occasion, modern day Friesian horses have become very popular and continue to grow in numbers. They are used in harness, under saddle, and more recently in dressage.

Historian Ann Hyland wrote of the Friesian breed:

The Emperor Charles (reigned 1516 -56) continued Spanish expansion into the Netherlands, which had its Frisian warhorse, noted by Vegetius and used on the continent and in Britain in Roman times. Like the Andalusian, the Frisian bred true to type. Even with infusions of Spanish blood during the sixteenth century, it retained its indigenous characteristics, taking the best from both breeds. The Frisian is mentioned in 16th and 17th century works as a courageous horse eminently suitable for war, lacking the volatility of some breeds or the phlegm of very heavy ones. Generally black, the Frisian was around 15hh with strong, cobby conformation, but with a deal more elegance and quality. The noted gait was a smooth trot coming from powerful quarters. Nowadays, though breed definition is retained, the size has markedly increased, as has that of most breeds due to improved rearing and dietary methods.

One of the finest and arguably the best known modern Friesian horse is surely the magnificent Frederik the Great from the Ozarks in the central U.S. Named after the historical 18th century Prussian monarch, Frederik’s pitch black coat and spectacular long curly mane captured the hearts and imaginations of thousands across the world.

Frederik became famous in 2016 when photographs of him first surfaced on social media. Now, at 19 years old, Frederik is just short of 100,000 followers on his Facebook page.

According to Frederik’s owner, Stacy Nazario, Frederik is not only majestic in stature but gracious in in character. She says he is sweet and gentle too. From the photographs below, we do declare Frederik definitely also fits into the supermodel category.