Friesian Horse Annual Keuring (Judging)

2011 NWFHC Keuring Results

The Washington Keuring was held at the Evergreen State Fair Grounds in Monroe, Wa. on  Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 

Len Stulp Award was presented to:

Camille R.R.F. Sire Anton 343 2nd premie star
owned by Larry and Karen Renicker

Champion and Best of Show:

 Petra R.F.F. Sire Teade 392 1 premie was already star, this makes her provisional crown


Reserve Champion: Kosmo S.D.P. Sire Lolke 371 1 premie
owned by Steve and Deb Polack

2011 Monroe Inspection Results

The Canadian Keuring was held in Chilliwack on Saturday 24th.  Chilliwack:2011 Chillwack Inspection Results

Len Stulp Award was awarded to:

 Baukje ut it Westen, Sire Feike 395 1 premie star provisional crown
Bert and Hannah Brunia

Champion and Best of show :

 Baukje ut it Westen Sire Feike 395 1 premie star
Bert and Hannah Brunia

Reserve Champion :

Kathinka J. Sire Monte 378 1 premie which makes her crown
Bert and Hannah Brunia

The yearly Keuring/Judging is an opportunity for the club to gather in celebration of this marvelous breed. There's always excitement, camaraderie, and all those beautiful black horses polished and glowing for their big day. The Keurings are open to the public. It's a great opportunity to view the horses and chat with local breeders.

For complete Rules & Regulations regarding Judging of the Friesian Horse please refer to www.fhana.com; Rules & Regulations link. There is a great deal of valuable information on the FHANA site for your education.

Following is an excerpt from the FHANA website:

Judging Standards - The annual judging of Friesian horses is a subjective attempt to evaluate a horse against the standards for the ideal Friesian. Movement is 60% of the evaluation and conformation is 40%.

Linear Scores - Mares and geldings entering the adult studbooks are evaluated on a number of points which include various aspects of conformation, breed characteristics and movement. The horses are scored on each point based on their positive or negative deviation from the average for the Friesian horse population. The linear scores are used to inform the horses' owners of their animals' strong and weak points and to obtain data on the stallions' influence on their offspring. Horse owners receive a copy of the linear score sheet along with the studbook registration certificate. The linear score sheet should be given to the buyer when a horse is sold.

About the Friesian Horse

The Friesian horse is unique, truly a breed to be proud of. It developed from a very old breed which was inherent to all of western Europe. It's the only horse native to Holland. Historically speaking, the Friesian horse has been influenced by eastern bloodlines and has often been threatened with extinction. Thanks to the single-mindedness and dauntless dedication of true horse lovers, one can still appreciate the many facets of the Friesian horse today.

Characteristics
Without a doubt, the black coat of the Friesian will impress you at first sight. Bays and grays occurred earlier in the breed, but now black is the only recognized color. A small white forehead star is also allowed. Other obvious characteristics are the long, heavy mane and tail and the Shire-like fetlock hair.

Use
The Friesian horse is enjoying a revival. He is a noteworthy sight in the show ring. His shiny black coat, flying mane and tail, and high action form an imposing image. The Friesian is, by nature, a talented show horse.

Harness Shows
The aim of showing in harness is to bring out the best in one's horse. The horse should be balanced in a fast, high-action trot, roomy from the shoulder and powerful in the hindquarters. The total picture is one of lively harmony, with ears pricked attentively forward. Harness events in shows are usually driven with a high-wheeled gig, the "sjees", for singles, pairs, and tandems. Driving with four-wheeled show carts is also gaining popularity.

Recreational and Competition Driving
Driving one or more Friesian horses has become increasingly popular in the past few years. Tough international competitions are only for the few, but there are many who derive relaxation and pleasure from driving Friesians for recreation. He who wants to perfect his driving and test his skill against others, can do so at the many dressage driving events.

Riding and Dressage
The Friesian horse has a talent for dressage. The foundation lies in his intelligence, willingness to learn, and readiness to perform. His pleasant character and his gentleness make the Friesian an attractive mount for competition as well as for recreational purposes. The riding club "De Oorsprong" (the source), from Huis ter Heide near St. Nicolaasga in Friesland, has been using only Friesian horses since 1937 in order to advertise their abilities as riding horses.

Tilting at the Ring
This traditional sport is still enthusiastically practiced throughout Holland. One can see Friesians pulling a wide assortment of carriages at these events.

Quadrille
The Friesian quadrille is a well-appreciated show number. It is comprised of 8 sjees, drawn by Friesians, driven by gentlemen accompanied by a lady, both dressed in traditional costumes like those worn in the 1850's. Complex patterns are driven, showing the drivers' trust in the obedience of their horses.