It is with profound sadness that we, at Maddi’s Friesian Ranch, share with our world-wide Friesian family, the passing of Doaitsen 420 Sport. Doaitsen has been with us for 7 years and in that comparatively short time, he won our hearts and continued his successful breeding program until very recently. We are so grateful and proud we had the opportunity to embrace him and be his “people” as he grew older.
Doaitsen (Wander x Reitse) was bred by Klaas and Mares Vanderploeg in Lansing, MI in 2001 and Klaas always said there was something special about this colt. The story goes that Doaitsen was actually for sale on their farm website for five minutes and Klaas realized he just wasn’t going to sell this one! Doaitsen was invited to stallion testing after being seen at the MI keuring in 2002 and Klaas chose to send him back to The Netherlands for the 70 day test in 2003. Because he had already been accepted for the testing at the time of the stallion show that January, he didn’t have to compete but he was introduced to the audience at the end of the competition and no one who was lucky enough to be present could forget the excitement in the crowd when this North American bred stallion, sired by a North American bred stallion made his rounds. He was enthusiastically welcomed in Holland.
Doaitsen passed the 70-day stallion test with flying colors and remained in the Netherlands, standing at De Nieuwe Heuvel on behalf of the Vanderploegs. Doaitsen was one of the most popular stallions breeding in the Netherlands and produced many quality offspring including several approved stallions. He then returned to North America and stood at the Friesian Connection where he continued his successful breeding program for several more years.
We at Maddi’s Friesian Ranch had been bringing Doaitsen’s bloodlines to our farm many times before we jumped at the opportunity to purchase him in 2013. We always knew what a spectacular stallion he was. Seeing him “in person” took our breath away and one of our favorite photos of him is of him looking over his kingdom of Maddi’s Friesian Ranch. Another is the famous photo of him rearing, also seen here, taken by the incomparable Cally Matherly. Doaitsen combined his regal and proud presence with a kind heart and gentle spirit.
We are so proud of Doaitsen’s contribution to the Friesian breed worldwide. Only a few of his accomplishments include 1107 preferent points through 2018 and being the only KFPS Approved breeding stallion to have earned the coveted United States Equestrian Federation Friesian Sire of the Year award, for four years in a row. This is such an achievement and speaks well for FHANA and KFPS stallions in Sport. Of course, there was the time he was Reserve National Champion at the stallion show in the Netherlands, just before returning to the United States. Doaitsen passed on his correct conformation, strong dramatic movement, his work ethic, and of course his heart to his offspring, who will be reminding us all of their great papa for many years to come. He certainly made a lasting and exceptionally positive influence on the breed.
Anyone who knows us at Maddi’s, knows that our horses are family, and Doaitsen gave us such pleasure as a kind soul. We loved watching the children in our kid’s non-profit love on him and most of all, just we loved hugging him and being in his presence. We miss him with all our hearts as we know he will also be missed by his many fans and extended family. He will also be dearly missed by his very good friend Andries 415 Sport. Andries and Doaitsen each had a 5-acre pasture, sharing a fence line, and would spend hours running with each other. Lately, they would spend hours standing and sleeping as close to each other as possible. RIP proud Doaitsen. We love you.
This was written by Ruth Page from Maddi’s Friesian Ranch
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