It was a close call, but the roof nearly came off on the Frisian evening – Powered by Robben Metaal Recycling
Opening with the tribute to European Champions Bram Chardon & Marijke Visser
The duo was escorted in style by a guard of honor of volunteers in a genuine Frisian Glaslandau, ridden by local celebrity Augustinus Hoekstra. Waling Haytema, chairman of Indoor Friesland, had kind words for the duo.
Frisian Breed ladies class for the Sjees
Old times were revived. Stunning pictures passed by. Three combinations were allowed to ride. The winner of the Ladies' class Frisian Breed for the Sjees was Koendert fan 'e Butemare, sired by Nane 492. Johannes Sijtsma from Sint Jacobiparochie is the owner and Iris Sijtsma the rider. There was also a prize for the most beautiful combination, which went to Dean fan Wettersicht, sired by Jouwe 485. V. Dijkhuizen/Griffioen from Follega are the owners and Setske de Jong is the rider.
Harness horses, Young Riders for the show carriage
Three riders were selected for the finals to compete against the top three Young Riders of the Frisian Breed. The lucky winners from this section were:
1st King (by Fantijn) with Davy Jordans
2nd Netflix (by Fantijn) with Anne Boonstra
3rd Roelofsen Horse Trucks Hugo with Derek Mekkes
Frisian Breed, Dutch Championship Pairs
Eight magnificent pairs of horses, one winner.
Stal de Merskens Oeds father Ulbrân 502 and Pjirk fan de Mersken father Ulbrân 502, owner Stal de Mersken from Siegerswoude, rider Age Okkema.
He has already been through a lot, but tears of joy in the driver's reaction.
Frisian Breed, Honorary Class for the carriage
Once again, it was a joy; the WTC Expo was shaking to its foundations. Actually, all the teams were fantastic, but here too, there can only be one winner.
Governor of 't Hertefean, father Nane 492, owners Hart-van Veen family from Boelenslaan, rider Sybren Minkema
Frisian Breed, Young Riders for the show carriage
Three riders were selected for the finals to compete against the top three Young Riders in the harness horse category. The lucky winners from this category were:
Stal Okkema's Cees, sire of Tsjalke 397, owner of Stal Okkema from Britswerd. Rider Jelte Hoekstra
GPD Melle, sire of Matthys 504, owner of the Frisian maternity ward of the Fiifhoeke from Sibrandaburen. Rider Ytzen Hoekstra
Wiefke fan Buma with driver Richard Hofstra
Harness horses, single-horse teams. Northern Championship
The winner was Olympus HC, sired by Icellie, owned by Handelshuis Schuttert from Ommen, and ridden by Harry van Middelaar.
A show by the Frisian quartet Bildtstars and the band Bildtstar, playing on an old farm cart pulled by two Frisian horses. Perfectly suited to the evening.
Dutch Championship of studbook stallions of the Frisian breed
The next event was pure enjoyment. Proud sires passed by the enthusiastic crowd. Throats were raised to cheer on the favorites. The winner was Matthys 504, sire Norbert 444, owned by the Van Manen brothers from Ede. Rider Jasper van Manen
Ceremony of champions
Pairs of horses and studbook stallions
René Froger's "This is the moment" sounded through the speakers of the WTC Expo as Age Okkema and Jasper van Manen entered the ring.
Frisian Breed – Harness Horses
Young Riders Final for the show float
It was exciting, it was beautiful. First was …… King (by Fantijn) with Davy Jordans
Show
Time for Humor. The Horse Men, a very funny and super original team of three men from France, performed. Similar to clowns in a circus, but with horses, and of course, everything is more fun.
Frisian Breed
Two teams in front of the carriage.
Another exciting section with many favorites from the region. They were also seen at the Night of the Stallions during the Indoor Friesland dressage weekend, competing in the long lines. The one and only winner was Jelmer Chardon with father and son in front of his carriage.
Jurre 495, father Maurits 437, owners Stal Chardon and HJ Niemeyer from Jorwert.
Siebren 547, father Jurre 495, owners Stal Chardon and JH Zwart from Jorwert
Harness horses
Open Class Pairs
Winner Derk Jan Mekkes with Parolus, father Cizandro, owner H. Bos from Hierden, and Roelofsen Horse Trucks Hugo, father Patijn, owner Stal Mekkes from Doezum.
It was wonderful to see that all the harness horses were ridden this evening without any intention.
Frisian Breed
Award for the Best Frisian 2025
The very last event. The spectators had one last chance to cheer. And they were more than happy to do so. Top course designer Louis Konickx was added to the judging panel for this occasion.
The winner was …….. Gosse 526, father Nane 492, owner Jelle Klijnstra from Groningen rider Radboud Kulsdom.
Traditionally, the evening concluded with another goosebump-inducing performance of the Frisian national anthem. All good things must come to an end, including this wonderful, traditional Frisian evening. Thank you all for attending in whatever way, and we look forward to seeing you at Indoor Friesland 2026.
Text: Media team Indoor Friesland
Photos: Digishots & Johanna Faber
