Jelte Hoekstra: Frisian evening at Indoor Friesland cannot be explained, you have to experience it

He's only eighteen, but experts say he's already outgrown the Young Riders class. Last year, he won the Open Class during the Frisian Evening at Indoor Friesland. This year, he became the Dutch Pairs Champion in Buitenpost and the Four-in-hand Champion in Norg. The latter is unique at his age. At Indoor Friesland, he's clearly going for it again. He's given the organizers a real challenge by entering every class. He's still "the son of," but we suspect that won't be the case for much longer. His father, Augustinus, will soon be "the father of." In the run-up to the one and only Frisian Evening, we called Jelte Hoekstra. 

When we called Jelte, he was just putting a horse in the stall. He goes to school in Zwolle one day a week to study to become a farrier, and the rest of the week he works as a freelancer. Jelte lives with his parents in Sijbrandaburen in Southwest Friesland, and while still in primary school, he started working as a stable hand at Stal Okkema.

Horses until 23.00pm

Jelte: “I've always known horses were a part of my life. From the moment I could walk, I've been crazy about them. I started with ponies, followed by Hackneys and Friesians. Even as a child, I wanted to compete, but in harness racing, it's age-based. You can start with Hackneys at fourteen, and you have to be sixteen to compete with Friesians. These days, I work as a farrier every day until about 16.00 p.m., and then I dedicate my time to the sport, sometimes until 23.00 p.m. I train several horses a day at Stal Okkema (laughing). Yes, my life is entirely about horses. A future girlfriend definitely has to be a horse lover, otherwise it's going to be difficult. I definitely see my future in horses. Earning money with the horses during the week and competing on the weekends.”

Supported by the public

Jelte speaks passionately about "his" Friesian horses. However, when Indoor Friesland comes up, he becomes even more enthusiastic. We can hear the smile on his face over the phone. Jelte: "I've competed at the Frisian Evening at Indoor Friesland for two years now, and it was fantastic both times. So many spectators, so much enthusiasm, so many friends and acquaintances; as a participant, you're carried along by the crowd. I compete in a lot of competitions, often several a week in the summer, but Indoor Friesland is different; it's pure experience. I can't explain it; you have to experience the atmosphere of Indoor Friesland. I look forward to it long beforehand. I don't know any tension; it's pure enjoyment for me."

Young Riders 

I had registered for all the classes, but unfortunately, I had to withdraw from one because I just couldn't make it due to the time constraints. I withdrew from the honors class. I had to choose between this class and the Young Riders, and I really want to ride the latter. Why? Because the top three finishers in this class get to compete against the top three in the harness horse class, and that seems extra cool to me.

Stal Okkema's Onne favorite 

Frisian horses are fantastic. I've ridden KWPN-bred horses before, but that's different; they don't compare to Frisians for me. My favorite Frisian has unfortunately been sold. That was Stal Okkema's Onne (by Nane). I won the class for four-, five-, and six-year-olds with him this year at the Frisian Stallion Show in January. (sighing) The way that horse moved, the way that horse wanted to work for you, it was amazing. Stal Okkema is a trading stable, and horses are sold there regularly, but I was very sad to see Onne leave. He's now in The Hague, and I'm still in touch with the owner.

"Coming back to Indoor Friesland, I'm really looking forward to it and will be there not only as a participant, but also as a spectator. The Friesian horse will also be represented at the Night of the Stallions, and I'll definitely be there."

Photos: Digishots

Text: Marjan de Wildt for Indoor Friesland