Victory for Hessel Hoekstra in Allspan Animal Bedding Prix
The first class on the final day of Indoor Friesland 2025 for three-star riders has been completed: the Allspan Animal Bedding Prix, a 1.40m course against the clock. Thirty-seven combinations started, and the top three were all mares, once again entirely Dutch. Hessel Hoekstra took the victory, riding the eight-year-old mare Madonna (by Apardi) and crossing the finish line in 53.09 seconds.
Second place went to Jur Vrieling and the seven-year-old mare Coco de Knocke Z (by Cicero Z). They clocked a time of 53.66 seconds. Third place went to Lars Schröder and the ten-year-old mare Casalla Tendra PS (by Casallco). They crossed the finish line in 54.69 seconds.
First victory
Hessel is 25 years old, lives in Enter, and has been working for Eric Wiefferink in Wierden for almost seven years. Hessel: “This is my first victory at Indoor Friesland 2025. We had to wait a while, but it was a great one. Madonna was fantastic. My sister won a class yesterday, and tonight I'm going for the Grand Prix with Comthago VDL.”
Fanatical parents
My parents already had horses as a hobby, but they were enthusiastic, and as children we also started with ponies from a young age. Our parents are still passionate about them; they travel all over Europe to watch us. I've been involved with horses for a while now and hope to be able to compete in some good competitions again in the near future. Of course, I'm hoping for the orange jacket again in the outdoor season. Regarding Madonna, she has a lot of bloodlines and is very fast. Sometimes even so fast that it becomes a bit difficult again. She is owned by the breeder BAM Booijink and Stal Wiefferink.
Allspan Pony Cup
Daniëlle Luders from sponsor Allspan is also present at the meeting: "We package low-dust shavings for horses, but also for the livestock trade. Our products travel all over the world. Besides this category we're here for, we also sponsored the Allspan Pony Cup, and we really enjoyed doing that. It's a fantastic project for the future of the sport. And of course, it's just fantastic for the youngsters to be able to ride here among all the top riders."
Text: Media team Indoor Friesland
Photos: Digishots & Equiglim
