Breeders' café at Indoor Friesland a bull's eye
Without breeding, there would be no sport. That's why, at the end of the Saturday afternoon of the dressage weekend, leading figures from the Dutch breeding scene gathered at the Breeders' Café at the Indoor Friesland Mediaplein – Powered by Horse & Country. In collaboration with the younger generations of the Royal Friesian Studbook (Jong KFPS) and the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (Jong KWPN), Indoor Friesland had put together an interesting, educational, and informative program where young and old could learn a lot from experienced and well-known figures from the Dutch breeding scene. When you conceive and organize something, it's always a matter of waiting to see if it catches on, but the mission seems to have been successful. Every chair was full; more even had to be brought in, and there were still several interested people standing around the atmospheric square.
The Breeders' Café discussed the process from breeding plan to stallion inspection, focusing on six topics. Attendees included 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 for show jumping), Johan Hamminga (dressage trainer and member of the KWPN Stallion Inspection Committee for dressage), and Sabien Zwaga (inspector and jury member at the KFPS). Topics such as stallion selection, birth, rearing, selection, training, inspection, and lineage were discussed. Rarely have so many great figures from various studbooks in Dutch breeding come together to share their insights with the public.
Response from presenter Chris de Heer
We asked a few attendees for their reactions. Presenter Chris de Heer is clearly surprised: “It's so busy! I didn't expect this; breeding is booming! I was asked to do this and didn't know what to expect. I know most of the speakers, but not the Frisian ones. Presenting the latter is a bit more difficult when it gets quiet, but I'll manage. Looking around the audience, I see a very diverse crowd. Breeders, journalists, people who groom stallions, all sorts. I also notice there are a lot of older people; I had hoped for more young people.”
Response from Indoor Friesland chairman Waling Haytema:
Our patio is pleasantly full! I'm amazed by the number of people there. Both familiar faces and strangers. This initiative seems to be a hit. We want to offer a program for a wide audience, and we seem to be succeeding. I had hoped for a bit more discussion, but the interest is definitely there.
Response from presenter Wesley Mulder:
I think the turnout is incredibly positive. I'm noticing a wide variety of people. From breeding, sports, riding horse enthusiasts, and people involved in Friesian breeding—it's really special. It's also great that you're including the Friesian horse. I enjoy it for myself too; it's good to hear how things work at another studbook. What exactly do I do here? I'm making videos with all the speakers for an aftermovie. We couldn't record everything, but this way, those who weren't there but are interested can still get an impression. Incidentally, this initiative is called the Breeder's Café, but I felt it was more of a breeder's seminar. There wasn't any discussion, but people stayed. I consider that a positive development; it means a captivating story was told. All in all, a positive start, in my opinion. I'd suggest a Breeder's Grand Café next year, a more comprehensive edition.
Response from Arie van Baalen, Van Baalen Farms:
It was quite a drive from Brakel to Leeuwarden, but I certainly don't regret it. When we arrived, it seemed quiet, but it quickly filled up. I really enjoyed it, and Chris de Heer presented it all in a refreshing and spontaneous way. Regarding the program, it progressed well, and it was great that we, as a rearing company, were also highlighted; this is an important part of developing a mature horse. The program was well-structured in a short timeframe. I didn't see many familiar faces, but I certainly don't see that as a drawback. I had the impression that people were listening attentively to the speakers, but I would have liked more questions. Incidentally, it was my first time at Indoor Friesland, and I think it looks fantastic; it's a high-quality competition.
Response from Jelmer Chardon, Stal Chardon:
I had a fantastic time this afternoon. You have to try something new, and it turned out well. They invited excellent speakers, which is the most important thing on an afternoon like this. The turnout was also very good. Again, the word "good," but I also thought the structure was excellent, and of course, I also appreciated that our Friesian breed was included in the program. And of course, we can't forget about these wonderful horses in Friesland. Friesland = Friesian horses. Speaking of Friesian horses? May I end my comment on the Breeders' Café by highlighting the one and only Friesian Evening, which is on the program next Friday? I want to encourage everyone to come. If you didn't attend the Friesian Evening at Indoor Friesland, you missed out. You have to be there; you don't want to miss this!
Photos: Equiglim
Text: Media team Indoor Friesland
