The Friesian Advocate

Dr. Beatrix Förster and Roel Boersma from Doderm join us to discuss the fascinating world of the equine skin microbiome—the diverse community of microorganisms living on your horse's skin. Previously overlooked, this microscopic ecosystem is now recognized as a key player in skin health, immunity, and even disease prevention.

When Julie Miller from Dark Horse Friesians first spotted a young Friesian stallion named Djurre út 't Westen, she sensed he was truly special. What unfolded next was one of the most incredible dressage journeys we've ever heard of! Thanks to the expert guidance of Djurre's trainer, Michelle Haefer from Haefer Dressage, Djurre's dressage career has soared, and there's a buzz of excitement around his promising future!

What is the most constructive way to intervene if you observe potential equine neglect or cruelty in your community? Join us for a conversation with Animal Control Officer Michele Aultman to learn more about the law enforcement and legal aspects of equine neglect and cruelty.

Since 2010, the Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses has rescued and rehabilitated nearly 70 Friesian horses and placed them in loving adoptive homes. Join us with our Equine Manager, Becca McCartney, to learn about the surrender and rescue process and how to adopt a Friesian from our program.

A breakthrough has been made in our research to uncover the genetic inheritance of megaesophagus in Friesian horses! Join us as we discuss our findings with principal researcher Dr. Navid Yousefi from the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center and reflect on the four years of hard work that led us to this important milestone.

Join us for another great conversation with Marije Steensma from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands as we discuss her latest research publication, "Evaluation of Breeding Strategies to Reduce the Inbreeding Rate in the Friesian Horse Population: Looking Back and Moving Forward".

Leny Haytema is a highly experienced Friesian horse breeder and broker based in the Netherlands with close to 20 years of expertise in the industry. Whether she's liaising with sellers or buyers, Leny is dedicated to meticulously matching the right horse with the perfect owner, ensuring a harmonious partnership for both. Leny provides insight into the intricacies of procuring and importing Friesian horses from the Netherlands, touching upon various aspects such as the selection process, transportation, testing requirements, and potential challenges.

A group of breeders and Friesian enthusiasts in the Netherlands have created a group called Fries Paard Gezond Vooruit (Friesian Horse Health in Progress) in response to their concerns regarding the inbreeding and health of Friesian horses. The group advocates for outcrossing, a very controversial topic amongst KFPS members, to infuse the current genetic population with new blood.

The first Friesian horse has been cloned! Blake Russell, President of ViaGen Pets & Equine, joins us to discuss equine cloning. Learn about the cloning process, what owners can expect, and much more. Plus, an interesting discussion about how cloning is being used as a part of breed conservation efforts.

Join us for an amazing conversation with international dressage rider Marc-Peter Spahn as we discuss what it takes for a Friesian to be successful in dressage and how character is an essential part of that equation! Peter's career with Friesian horses was born when he took up riding the approved KFPS stallion Adel 357 and has since grown on the international dressage stage to include many impressive Friesians such as Anders 451, Elias 494, Jeroen 535, and Mees 497.

The Friesian Connection is a family business started in 1984 by Robert and Arlene De Boer when they imported three Friesian Star mares to Michigan, USA from the Netherlands. From there, it expanded into a well-established breeding program, training, selling, and importing horses from the Netherlands. Join us for a conversation with the second and third generations of the De Boer family who now operate the Friesian Connection!

Dr. Marco de Bruijn, an equine veterinarian at Paardenkliniek Wolvega in the Netherlands, sits down with us to discuss his personal and professional observations of the health of Friesian horses over the last twenty years. We discuss the challenges facing the breed, potential solutions, and ideas on how principal parties might collaborate to accelerate progress.

Tracey Alexander owns and operates The Friesian Experience, a non-profit organization located in the stunning Lake District Park in England. The Friesian Experience was created in 2010 to assist and educate those considering bringing a Friesian horse into their lives. Many animal-loving visitors from all around the world who simply want to meet and experience the magic of Friesian horses visit the farm each year. Additionally, the farm serves as a safe Sanctuary for Friesians whose owners are unable to care for them.

Dr. Bart Ducro and PhD Candidate Marije Steensma from Wageningen University & Research join us for a discussion on Friesian genetics.

Faye O'Hara was just a teenager when a terrible car accident left her paralyzed with the use of only her left arm. As an avid rider and horse lover, learning she'd never walk again was devastating, but that was nothing compared to finding out she'd no longer be able to ride or compete with her horses. Faye refused to give up on horses, though. She dreamed BIG and hoped to one day breed and compete with her own Friesian horse. Through sheer tenacity, Faye and her Friesian gelding, Majestic, overcame all the odds and showed those who doubted them that you can do anything if you want it badly enough.

Recent departures of KFPS board members, newly revised stallion selection regulations, outcrossing and closure of the side section, the KFPS Breeding Conservation Research project, new KFPS website, 2024 Stallion Show and 145th Jubilee Show, and more!

Before you delve into Season 1 of The Friesian Advocate, check out this intro episode and learn more about the Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses and our team.