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Megaesophagus Research Update

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.

The Latest Research on Friesian Inbreeding

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".

Purchasing & Importing Friesian Horses from the Netherlands

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.

Fries Paard Gezond Vooruit & Outcrossing

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.

Marc-Peter Spahn

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

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!