TEXAS ISN'T JUST FOR COW PONIES

Think of Texas and one pictures Quarter Horses working the cattle, or playdaying, or racing, but there is another horse slowly making inroads next to the cow ponies, and that is the Friesian. A Dutch breed, Friesians date back to the earliest history of mankind. Arthur and his knights probably rode Friesians, and the countless illustrations of knights and nobles on the tournament fields showcase their unique beauty. They were a favored horse for use in battle as early as 150 A.D, and William the Conqueror used horses showing a remarkable resemblance to Friesian stallions at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.

In more recent years, the breed has gained popularity in the United States, with a number of horse farms across the country in operation. Several of those farms are in Texas, and the South Central Friesian Horse Association is preparing for the 2009 Friesian Horse Inspection being held in Argyle Texas. 'Keuring' is the Dutch word for studbook inspections, which take place annually in the fall. It is anticipated that more than 30 Friesian horses will be inspected on September 12, 2009. The inspection will be conducted at Stargate Sport Horses 2700 East FM 407 Argyle TX beginning at 900 AM. This will be the largest gathering of Friesian horses in Texas!

An exhibition of this exquisite breed will be held during the lunch break. The Public is invited. Refreshments and lunch will be available for purchase.

East Texas Fresian owners and breeders will be presenting their horses to the Dutch inspection team. Duane and Sandi Fisher, Fisher Ranch from Como, Texas are presenting a young stud colt, DF Anton (Anton x Bendert). This colt’s mother Jeitsje is a wonderful mare that does well in front of a carriage.

Marcus and Jamie Knight from McKinney are presenting their 3 year old mare Teske van G(Otte x Jelke). Teske is currently in training for the inspection at Anneke’s Friesians in Como. Other Friesian horses in training for the inspection with Anneke van den Ijessel are Quintessa a 4 year old mare, Geo a 7 year old gelding and Mya a 5 year old mare and Siani a 4 year old mare. All are candidates for the “ster” rating.

The English term would be Star, which is the highest rating for the three year olds and up. There are two classifications of a star, 1st Premium Star(which means the horse is VERY special&very rare) and 2nd Premium Star (which means the horse is special) . The judges rate the horses on racial type, conformation, and movement. Rijke (pictured here) is a 1st Premium Star mare from the 2008 Keuring.

Another “ster” candidate for 2009 from the mare class is Simply Stunning ‘Jas (Jasper x Tjerk) a 4 year old owned by Toni and Charlie Davis, JRD Ranch in Kemp, Texas.

John and Charlotte Dumford, from Rockwall, Texas, the inspection coordinators have high hopes for their 3 year old mare Tanwen (Folkert x Teunis). Folkert is known world wide for producing offspring with luxurious movements. The Dumford’s are also presenting a cute yearling stud colt Dickens D (Minste x Jildert).

Once each year, the Koninklijhe Vereniging Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek (KFPS), the mother registry of the Friesian horse in the Netherlands sends inspectors and judges to North America.

Horses of all ages will be inspected including aged mares and stallions. All newborn foals should be presented for ranking within the registry.

Pictured here is Duane Fisher's mare Jeltsje with her foal that was born the end of June.

For more information about the South Central Friesian Horse Association visit their Web site. www.southcentralfriesianhorseassociation.com