I agree with you on the head shapes! When I moved into the house I love in now, my neighbors had this little trio of Arabians. They were gorgeous! I hadn't known it at the time, but the man gave them all away because he didn't feel like training them. I haven't found many Akhals that I liked, but that might just be because they have such thin frames? I've always preferred the thicker-built horses. For example, today I discovered Welsh Cobs alllllll over again and I might be in love...
My personal horse, Jet, has a horrible trot. She managed to inherit a bad build (shorter front legs than back ones, with a shallower chest) that requires height-corrective shoes. Her brother on the other hand, is beautiful in my opinion. His ride isn't as smooth as his daughter's, but he is amazingly comfortable. The daughter is slightly taller and thinner than her father (We believe that her dam was a warm blood and TN Walker) and has an amazing trot. It also helps that they can all saddle, because it is near impossible for that gait to be uncomfortable. Bless, once I start talking about horses I can't stop ><
I have never actually seen any horses with Friesian in their bloodlines, but that might be because I come from a Walker meets Quarter with a slight side of Thoroughbred place within the US. My exposure is pretty limited. But, I will definitely take your word on her smoothness!
Not many of the horses I actually come close to are pure, because no one we ride with ever shows in anything other than the country fair. Most of my experiences come from research and the occasional event I manage to watch. One thing we don't seem to have ANYHWERE here are drafts. I've only met one, a grey shire gelding that a family member was given and they keep as the equivalent of a very large pony. I actually happen to really prefer cross breeds, and mules. Do any of you like mules?