July 11-12, 2009

 

Fryslan Valley Sport Horses trainer, Arnold Warmels, was invited to host as breed clinician for the Friesian and Gypsy breeds at the Horses Horses Horses Gala in Ocala, FL July 11-12, 2009.

 

This event went to benefit the Ocala, FL based, Horses N Heroes charitable program whose primary  focus is educating at-risk children in an equine therapeutic environment. 

Arnold and several of his clients happily agreed  to the invitation and traveled  from Tennessee to Ocala to present two beautiful show stopping Friesians and a beautiful black & white Gypsy Cob.    

In their first gala musical performance on Saturday afternoon, Wietse and Karst van de Olijftak  brought the house down.  Many people in attendance had never before seen the dramatic trotting action of the Friesian.  Fryslan Valley was well received with applause and continuous cheering!

 

On Saturday, July 11 following the action performance, Arnold conducted a 30 minute question and answer session for the interested crowd who wanted more information about the FPS and FHANA.  While speaking, both Wietse and Karst were  in the roundpen with Arnold.

 

Their sparkling and comical personalities, indicative of this people oriented breed, shined through.  At one point, Karst decided to just lay down, yawn and stretch, while Redondo sat his chin on Arnold's shoulder!  They definitely kept the crowd entertained and the cameras continued to click.
 

By the time the session was over, many followed us back to the barn inquiring for more information and anxious for the next session.  In the second well attended session,  Arnold and his niece Samantha Groeneveld, showed the Friesian under saddle, in a Dressage presentation, highlighting the difference in the older style more Baroque Friesian, and then moving towards the more sports oriented Friesian of today.  This session was also open to question and answers and following the segment, continued at the barn as interested parties continued to remain at our stall section.

 

On Sunday, July 12, Arnold gave a 30 minute session with the Shirley Brooks Whirley owned Gypsy Cob entry, King Arthur.    Arnold gave a brief long lining demonstration on starting your horse to drive, followed by a question and answer segment. 

 

They completed the Gypsy segment with Samantha and Arthur giving a riding exhibition in a beautiful period costume musical freestyle.

 

Later in the afternoon on Sunday, July 12, we had the immense pleasure of visiting the home of Carol and Jack Angelbeck, Ocala, FL, home to Bluffview Clydesdales and Friesians.   For over 14 years Carol and Jack have been breeding FPS Registered Friesians.  We enjoyed the tour of their farm and getting acquainted with their beautiful black pearls.    

 

My favorite part of this stop was spending time with their 6 week old Feike foal. 

 

 
          Jack Angelbeck, Arnold Warmels, Carol Angelbeck Bluffview Clydesdales & Friesians

 

It was a long drive home, but the hospitality (and swimming pool!) shared at the home of the Whirley's was a welcome break in the middle of this hot hot summer.

 Lisa & Arnold Warmels at the Whirley home!