Britt Dekker back at Indoor Friesland with The Magical Horse Show

An enchanting horse spectacle with Britt Dekker and special guests. After last year's success, this year's WTC Expo in Leeuwarden could not be without a magical family show. Many young fans must have had a hard time sleeping the night before and long before the opening they were already waiting in large numbers. They were not disappointed. A varied program full of shows, singing, music and of course with horses was presented to them.

The endearing opening was done by two singers, the very young Djamila Thiele and Alma Niëto. They were accompanied by a Frisian carriage with a Frisian horse and a mini Frisian carriage with a Shetland pony in the same beautiful black color as the Frisian. The theme of the show was friendship between man and horse and the opening set the tone perfectly.

Jesse Drent and his mini pony Macho were the next to enter the track of Indoor Friesland. Funny, touching, friendship, sweet, words fail to describe this block.

The best illusionist in the world, the best magician in the Netherlands, just two terms that Christian Farla is described with on social media. He was also part of the show. A part where the audience could rest for a moment and watched breathlessly. Some children clearly found it very exciting.

Anne Krüger-Degener, her horses, dogs, but also her couple of ducks continued the program. Animal trainer and shepherdess Anne gave a beautiful show in which she showed that a successful collaboration between man and animal based on trust, respect and solidarity is possible. Every minute was enjoyable, but perhaps the ducks were the most fun. Under the horses, over a staircase and finally, it could not be more appropriate, they left the track in a real old 2CV, or a Duck.

The emotion continued, but then in the form of music. Again accompanied by two magnificent combinations on horseback. Frisians of course. Alma Niëto and Franklin Brown sang the age-old Amigos Para Siempre for the packed stands.

We already mentioned it, there was no lack of originality at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden. Noah Chorny took place in the ring. Noah is a slow diver and also a brilliant acrobat. He had a lamppost of 6 meters with him, but it is very flexible. Noah has a tendency to seek out the heights. Once he reaches the top of the pole, he, but also the pole, shoot in all directions. A fun and very unique part of the program.

The last item before the break was again a mix of music and horses. Franklin Brown, Alma Niëto and Angelique Wardenier brought a piece of Brabant to Friesland. The trio sang the hit of Rene Schuurman "Laat de zon in je hart" while two beautiful harness horses of the Mekkes family with at least as beautiful illuminated carriages behind them showed their mighty trotting tour with a lot of power and elegance around them. A great end to the first part of The Magical Horse Show.

After the break, during which the cozy straw village could be visited and new, fun horse stuff could be purchased to one's heart's content, the second part of the show was on the program. Franklin Brown kicked off. We mentioned him before. Everyone knows him of course together with Maxine, with whom he achieved a historic seventh place during the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo with their big hit 'De eerste keer'. In Leeuwarden, he was not accompanied by Maxime during this part of the show, but by a special performance by a vaulting group.

After this opening the show continued with a part that many fans must have been waiting for. Britt entered the ring on the back of her beautiful black Frisian Johnny accompanied by Sterre on her pony Miracle, also called “Mini George” by Britt. A moving pas de deux followed.

Christian Farla also returned once more. Once again a part with unique magic where the audience present could rest for a moment and watched breathlessly.

Of course she could not be missed. Iris Kroes continued the program. Iris, originally from Drachten, is a true Frisian and has been singing since she could talk. She is also known for her beautiful harp playing. Iris became famous through her participation in The Voice of Holland and sang a beautiful Frisian medley that started with the Frisian national anthem. She was accompanied by six beautiful Frisian horses and typical Frisian images on the big screen above her.

The highlights followed each other quickly in Britt's latest show. Jesse Drent and his Gaio entered the ring. Gaio is a Lusitano gelding with a very special story. He used to be a bullfighting horse, but he is actually very sweet and gentle. Gaio knows high-level dressage exercises, combined with some "tricks". He really shows how you can benefit from working in a positive way. Gaio has also recently started going to shows. However, it was asked whether appreciation in the form of applause could be done carefully so as not to damage the trust that has been built up between man and animal.

Plenty of room for music in The Magical Horse Show. Angelique Wardenier, a nationally and internationally acclaimed soprano, was the next to enter the ring. She alternates her classical opera and operetta repertoire with musical hits and the most beautiful Dutch-language listening songs, which she performs in an inimitable way. Her beautiful voice and warm personality leave no spectator unmoved. When she then also takes her place in a carriage pulled by four beautiful, white Lipizzaners, everyone will understand that the audience sat in the stands with goose bumps.

The next part actually needs no explanation. Who doesn't know them, who has never admired them? The Future Guys were there again this year, just like last year. At full speed, they performed the craziest, most beautiful and most exciting antics on their horses. The audience couldn't believe their eyes. A special fact is that they performed this show for the last time in Leeuwarden.

All things come to an end. But not just any end. In a fairytale parade, all horses and participants passed by the audience one more time. Of course, the main character was also there again. Britt had taken a seat in the carriage with Lipizzaners. To the displeasure of her own Johnny according to Britt. He was the one who had pulled her wedding carriage not so long ago and really enjoyed doing it. When he saw the carriage on the forecourt, he actually wanted to go back to the track with Britt and pull the carriage himself.

Many thanks to all those present at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden for your presence and enthusiasm, and to those who were unable to get tickets, hopefully you were able to follow along a little through this report.

Photos: Digishots
Text: Marjan de Wildt – Media Team Indoor Friesland