My love for horses began when I was a child. Every time I had an opportunity to get on a horse I took it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until my adult years that I would own a horse. With my daughter's dream as strong as mine, we began our equine journey together. In 1999 I had the good fortune to acquire my first Friesian and since then I have the privilege to own six Friesian mares. Owning a cottage on Mackinac Island since 2003, we enjoy taking several of our Friesian girls to the Island every summer. Driving the beautiful island roads through the historic park and into town is always a special treat. Of course, riding over 70 miles of trails throughout the island is always a journey of pure delight...riding through the beautiful woods overlooking the bluffs and viewing crystal clear waters.

I would consider myself a "sometimes" breeder of my Friesian mares. I enjoy riding and/or driving my girls so much that I want them with me instead of having them being back home caring for their babies. I have had beautiful foals off and on since 2003. Knowing my mare as well as I do, when I breed her it is to a stallion I believe will only enhance the attributes of my mare. With the stringent qualifications imposed by the Friesian Stud Book, only the best of the best can become a fully approved Friesian Stallion. Learn more about our Featured Mare, Regina, who is expecting her foal in 2011!

Q. How does a stallion get breeding approval?

A. In the registry of the Friesch Paarden Stamboek, only Approved Studbook Stallions can sire horses that are eligible for entry in the main studbook registers. There are approximately 75 Approved Stallions in the world today and about a quarter of those are in North America. The selection and testing requirements for a stallion to gain breeding approval are so rigorous that only a handful of young stallions are approved each year.

For four years after approval, the stallion’s offspring must demonstrate to the studbook inspectors that the stallion makes a positive impact on the breed or his approval will be withdrawn. It is a merciless selection process that insures that only the very best stallions will influence the future of the Friesian horse.

Having studied traits of these offspring and how well they have performed whether it be in the show ring or as a beloved member of a family of pleasure riders or drivers I am confident that foals from my few select mares are among the best available!