Thoughts about the stallion show 2011
Well, I really had a great time yet again. Some changes from previous years included an excellent wifi connection (yay!), a LIVE band with singers on Saturday night (now that was a treat), more clinics and just generally improved facilities.
There were a few nice presentations during the show. Jasper and Teunis were recognized for being named preferent stallions. Teunis, of course, died a few years ago at the young age of 12. So his son Harmen represented him. Jasper was joined by two of his many approved sons and was an obvious crowd favorite as he trotted around in his ceremonial blanket.
Leffert 306 Preferent was also celebrated for reaching his 25th birthday. He was actually there – the first time in 5 years. Though his face is getting quite gray and he seemed a little slow, he nevertheless trotted around the ring for the crowd to see. At 25 years, one never knows when Leffert will be seen again in public, so this was a great treat. I am happy to say I did get video of that and will be posting it.
The North American stallions were recognized via a video from Cally Matherly that was played on the central screen. It was extremely touching, showing the recently deceased Nanning at the end of the video. I had tears coming down my face, and I certainly was not the only one.
A presentation citing the success of the Friesian train at the World Equestrian Games was also held and FHANA was recognized for its great contribution during the games. Beth Sharp, FHANA president, received individual recognition for her efforts. In all. I thought the KFPS reached out to FHANA and its members on multiple occasions. The KFPS president even said something like this “you in the crowd may not know how much the North Americans love their Friesian horses. I think they each have a logo of the horse embroidered on their pillows and kiss the picture each night before they go to sleep.” It was funny and heart warming.
Anneke once again provided a simultaneous English translation (you rent a headset and put an earpiece in your ear). The rental cost was 25 euros for 3 days and worth every penny. She was just fantastic and hearing the comments significantly enhanced the experience. If you go, be sure to reserve a headset ahead of time.
I thought the stallions approved in 2009 and 2008 were especially impressive. Uldrik, approved only within the past 2 years, not only won the championship last year, but repeated this year as well. Incredible! His first pass was just magnificent and I think he won right at that moment. Reserve went to the young Tsjalle, who is a Mintse son. Tsjalle has the big trot and recently won the show driving competition between the Fresian breeding stallions. Anders was 3rd, which in some ways was a surprise since his movement is so different from the other two (Anders is quite accomplished in dressage). My own personal thought is that this may have been to recognize him for his lovely, smooth and athletic gaits, his accomplishments under saddle, and as a gentle hint that the KFPS is moving more and more towards the modern, riding type of horse.
Some other horses who were in the championship and who I personally felt performed superbly were Maurus, Harmen and Pier. Pier, a Beart son, was almost imposing. At 170cm (about 17 hands) he is a big horse, yet moves with grace as well as power. My friend Marten said that due to his size the call his “Peter the Great” (in Dutch of course). That made me chuckle a bit. The jusges said that Pier keeps getting better. I guess his movements have to grow into that big body!
I managed to get videos of the stallions approved in 2009 and 2010 (I dod npt have these before) so I will get these, as well as other videos posted as soon as I have a decent internet connection. I’ll let you know when they are ready.
The final run:
