‘Of the three pillars of the KFPS breeding objective, namely the characteristic exterior (breed characteristics), the pleasant personality and the aptitude in the sport, it was mainly the third pillar that was at the heart of most regional discussions. It centred on issues like how high the bar can be raised for Friesian horses in the sport and how to maintain a good balance between the three pillars. For one thing, the discussions in the regions have generated a first addition to the policy plan, which is that results in competition sports must be used for the breeding value estimates regarding sport aptitude. A second addition concerns the topic on ‘association policy’ and is aimed at how breeding chapters can be involved to play a more prominent role in the transfer of knowhow to its members. The Meeting of the Member Council is also the moment to review the past year and a forum for the Board to render account for its management. We also commemorated the deaths of several people who had close ties with the KFPS, among them our ambassador Wim van Bemmel, former jury member Wim van Lierop and breeder Anne Oosterbaan. They all enjoyed our proud Friesian four-legged friends in their own personal ways and all have done their part for breeding. Looking back, 2014 was a good year for the Studbook in most respects, as described in a fine Annual Report. Luckily, there was no further drop in the number of stud services, on recommendation of the Financial Committee the annual accounts were ratified with a positive balance and demand for Friesian horses is still going strong. So no grounds for idleness, but hopefully a strong basis to spark some new modest growth this year. A continuing worry is the decline in membership numbers. Therefore we all have to pitch together to make inspections and competitions more attractive. One of the latest initiatives is the idea of a sport membership for those who do not own a Friesian horse, but who actively take part in the sport or recreational field with Friesians. They can benefit from all that the KFPS has to offer in terms of knowledge about lineage, use and events. In the upcoming autumn meeting of the Member Council we can hopefully take the final steps in relation to this sport membership. In the coming months our principal attention will be directed at inspections and competitions. A time to roll our sleeves up, because sitting back never gets a job done. Training, grooming in line with current guidelines, in-hand practising, under saddle and hitched up to the carriage, presenting, etc., leaving nothing to chance in our efforts to achieve good results. Exhilarating times, but above and beyond all the hard work also a time for young and old to enjoy ‘it Swarte Goud’. I wish you all a wonderful summer season.
As published n the June 2015 KFPS newsletter
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