Breeding as the foundation of equestrian sport is central to the Breeders' Café at Indoor Friesland

Saturday, October 18 – “From breeding plan to stallion” at the Indoor Friesland Mediaplein – powered by Horse & Country

Without breeding, there is no sport, and the organizers of Indoor Friesland are well aware of this. On Saturday, October 18th, horse breeding will therefore take center stage at this magnificent international competition at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden. In addition to the national and international dressage competitions, the very first Breeder's Café will be a key feature of Saturday's event. The Breeder's Café will take place at the Indoor Friesland Mediaplein – powered by Horse & Country – where, under the guidance of presenter Chris de Heer, leading experts from the Dutch breeding industry will discuss the theme "From breeding plan to stallion."

The idea for this new component came from the creative mind of sports director Yvonne van Bergen and was developed in collaboration with Young KWPN and Young KFPS. The result is a unique and substantively strong program that combines breeding, sport, and knowledge sharing.

Arie van Baalen Jr. has over 300 young horses in rearing at Van Baalen Farms.

An exceptional combination of knowledge and experience

During the Breeder's Café, the process from breeding plan to stallion inspection will be discussed, based on six topics. Among those present will be international show jumping breeder Fred van Straaten Sr., Sietske Oosterbaan of the KFPS, veterinarian Waling Haijtema, Arie van Baalen Jr. of Van Baalen Farms, Janko van de Lageweg (VDL Stud), Joop van Uytert (Van Uytert Stud), Age Okkema (De Mersken Stud), Koen Brinkman (Brinkman Stud), Jelmer Chardon (Chardon Stud), Wout-Jan van der Schans (national show jumping coach and chair of the KWPN Stallion Inspection Committee), Johan Hamminga (dressage trainer and member of the KWPN Stallion Inspection Committee for Dressage), and Sabien Zwaga (inspector and jury member at the KFPS).

These experts share their knowledge, vision, and practical experience on topics such as stallion selection, birth, rearing, selection, training, and inspection. Rarely have so many leading figures from Dutch breeding gathered to share their insights with the public.

The well-known dressage trainer and member of the KWPN Stallion Inspection Committee for Dressage, Johan Hamminga, will also be taking a seat in the breeders' café.

Live linear scoring as a closing

The Breeders' Café concludes with a live linear scoring demonstration in the paddock, in which three young mares of different breeds will be assessed by KWPN inspector Henk Dirksen, KFPS Training Director Henk Hammers, and Sabien Zwaga. This demonstration offers the public a unique insight into how experienced inspectors assess and compare horses.

The Breeder's Café, which begins at 17 p.m., is an inspiring prelude to the Night of the Stallions later that evening and is part of a day where breeding plays a prominent role at Indoor Friesland. Everyone is welcome to join us for the Breeder's Café on Saturday, October 18th, during Indoor Friesland.

For the full day program, see program , and to order tickets, go to tickets.

See you at Indoor Friesland!

Photos KWPN by Digishots