And 2009 starts - with the Stallions Show!!

We leave January 7th and arrive January 8th in the Netherlands. The annual "hengstenkeuring" (which we just call "the stallion show" in English) starts on the 8th. The stallion show is held in Leeuwarden Friesland and is the time where the best young stallions from 2008 go through final evaluations to see which ones can make it to the "finals" of stallion selection. Since the "final" is a 70 day test which occurs after the finalists have been trained and matured a bit more, this show in Leeuwarden is the last time to see these guys all in one place and in one show.It is a big event in a large indoor arena - *packed* with Friesian crazy spectators. There is just nothing better.

But there is so much more than that...

• The older, approved stallions compete against one another for the "World Championship" title. These guys are legends in the Friesian world.


• There is a full program of events and clinics. You can see the program here


• There are a variety of open houses, parties, and get togethers


• We get to see our friends and visit horses who are relatives to our horses here


• Visiting Friesland is pure joy for me. I love the place, the people, the horses, the event - everything about it.

This year I am going to try - and I will emphasize try - to write and submit videos directly from the show. Who knows if it will work? But you should bookmark this site - just in case!! I'll be writing more soon about the equipment I plan to use, etc.

In the meantime, here is a teeny video of Wikke, a foal born here on the farm 18 months ago. Wikke is owned by Sara Andrew and I live near them. On New Years Day Wikke was trimmed by the farrier and I helped hold hm. As Sra walked him to the pasture I took a teeny video. I am really interested to see Wikke develop - my Cori is now pregnant to Heinse 354 with Wikke's full sibling.

Wikke at 18 months, New Year's Day 2009. I think he is so pretty.