Keuring Clinic was this weekend – awesome

The Mid-Atlantic Friesian Association (“MAFA”) – a local Friesian club in the DC metro area – put together a keuring clinic August 25-26. It was presented by Jan Englesma, a former judge. This was held in Beallsville Maryland at the stables of Wish Upon a Ster Friesians, which donated their lovely facilities.

I know pretty much about Friesian horses, and everyday I research to learn more. So I was unsure of how much new information I might pick up. I debated making the 5 hour drive to Beallesville. But boy, am I glad I did. For a minimal cost of $50 (the price for a MAFA club member), I got 2 days full of jam packed information. presented in a clear and articulate manner. We got to see 2 mares, a gelding, a stallion and a mare/filly up close and, point by point, learn exactly what a judge is looking at during a keuring. Jan also went in depth regarding the approved stallions – including strengths and weaknesses they tend to pass on to their offspring. In the first afternoon, Jan answered a question I have always had concerning how certain aspects of a horse’s build may affect the performance. That alone was worth the price of admission.

I had two particularly nice bonuses. For one, I got to see the approved stallion Fridse 423, who is standing stud at Wish Upon a Ster. I must say, I was really impressed. He is just gorgeous. I do not know much about his offspring (he is a very young stallion and has not been breeding long), but if they are anything like him, they will be something.

My other treat was in finding out that Jan, our presenter, is related to Mr. Bruggen, who is the man who bred and owns Wilmaa B (Dahlia’s grandma). In fact, Jan told me that Wilmaa’s mother (Dahlia’s great grandmother) is so famous she has a photo in the mare’s book. And that he, Jan, trained Wilmaa B for her IBOP, and she scored an incredible 88 points. Jan promises to send me a picture of his wedding photo, in which he not only was with his wife, but was holding Wilmaa B as well! I showed Jan Dahlia’s video of her in training and he was very happy to see her. “That mare line”, he said in a soft voice, ” is not only top quality, but also has a special meaning to me personally”. Ah, me too, Jan.

So, thank you MAFA, Jan, Steven Feys of Wish Upon a Ster, Nina Miller (education coordinator for FHANA, owner of Wander 352 – one of my favorite stallions – and a good friend) and all my old and new buddies from the clinic. What a terrific weekend.