The Friesian Advocate The Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses

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.