A Visit to Witteveen Friesians in Ontario
When I went to Canada this past weekend to attend the Canada Blooms flower and garden festival, I asked my stable manager, Betsy Perretin, to come along. We paid a visit to Witteveen Friesians, the horse breeder who raised my beautiful horses. I first became interested in Friesians when I saw a pair that some friends owned and they directed me to Witteveen, located in Brantford, Ontario. Betsy and I were interested in seeing what horses Harry Witteveen had available to possibly add to my stable, along with Meindert, Ramon, Rinze, and Rutger.
The Friesian Horse originated in Holland, where they were put to work in the fields. Nowadays, Friesians are used in dressage competitions and as carriage horses because they are so handsome and nimble. I really love these stately horses and find them to be gentle, responsive, and animated, with that wonderful high-stepping gait that distinguishes the breed.
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- This is Harry Witteveen’s new replacement barn for the one that burned down a few years back. No horses were lost in the fire.
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- The distinctive Witteveen logo
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- This is Hinke, one of the horses that we came to see. He is actually Martyn’s brother, an 8-year old.
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- The horses in the forefront are yearlings.
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- Here I am with Harry and Betsy
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- This photo was taken when I first got my horses, 10-years ago.
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- This is the interior of Harry’s carriage house and his amazing collection of show ribbons.
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- Another view with show harnesses.
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- Here I am with Harry’s wife, Cecile.
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- Another look at Hinke – Martyn’s brother.
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- Hinke taking off showing us his ‘stuff’
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- So handsome – beautiful eyes
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- Cindy, the handler, bringing in the horse
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- A different horse frolicking
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- Hayo is his name.
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- Hayo looks a lot like Meindert.
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- Yearlings need at least 3 years to get ready for the saddle.
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- More yearlings
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- Here I am about to mount the gorgeous Meindert.
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- The horses love when people come to tour the farms and gardens.
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- Another view
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- This is Ramon last summer.
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- Rutger and Rinze
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