A Visit to Witteveen Friesians in Ontario
When I went to Canada this past weekend to attend the Canada Blooms flower and garden festival, I asked my stable manager, Betsy Perretin, to come along. We paid a visit to Witteveen Friesians, the horse breeder who raised my beautiful horses. I first became interested in Friesians when I saw a pair that some friends owned and they directed me to Witteveen, located in Brantford, Ontario. Betsy and I were interested in seeing what horses Harry Witteveen had available to possibly add to my stable, along with Meindert, Ramon, Rinze, and Rutger.
The Friesian Horse originated in Holland, where they were put to work in the fields. Nowadays, Friesians are used in dressage competitions and as carriage horses because they are so handsome and nimble. I really love these stately horses and find them to be gentle, responsive, and animated, with that wonderful high-stepping gait that distinguishes the breed.
1 This is Harry Witteveen's new replacement barn for the one that burned down a few years back. No horses were lost in the fire.
2 The distinctive Witteveen logo
3 This is Hinke, one of the horses that we came to see. He is actually Martyn's brother, an 8-year old.
4 The horses in the forefront are yearlings.
5 Here I am with Harry and Betsy
6 This photo was taken when I first got my horses, 10-years ago.
7 This is the interior of Harry's carriage house and his amazing collection of show ribbons.
8 Another view with show harnesses.
9 Here I am with Harry's wife, Cecile.
10 Another look at Hinke - Martyn's brother.
11 Hinke taking off showing us his 'stuff'
12 So handsome - beautiful eyes
13 Cindy, the handler, bringing in the horse
14 A different horse frolicking
15 Hayo is his name.
16 Hayo looks a lot like Meindert.
17 More yearlings
18 Yearlings need at least 3 years to get ready for the saddle.
19 This is Ramon last summer.
20 Rutger and Rinze
21 Another view
22 Here I am about to mount the gorgeous Meindert.
23 The horses love when people come to tour the farms and gardens.
Martha, how do you make up your mind when choosing an animal? In this case i believe you want to purchase two horses from Witteveen farm. Thanks
Posted by: may | March 25th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Those are such lovely horses. I especially like Hayo's red mane. The yearlings are adorable.
You MUST be standing on a mounting block!
Posted by: Fantastyk Voyager | March 25th, 2010 at 1:24 am
Martha I agree with May. You must want to purchase Hinke and Hayo. I miss Martyn. Betsy and you must really miss him. How exciting to meet his brother! Harry and Cecile have a lovely farm. Thank you for sharing these photos with us. What a life of accomplishment and fulfillment! Think of all the happiness their farm and its horses have brought into the world!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | March 25th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Beautiful animals. I've always wanted one. However, I'm sure you know that they were originally carrage horses and for dressage you have to choose carefully so you don't have one with those caracteristics. Thanks for sharing your photos of this farm.
Posted by: jamie | March 25th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Hi Martha !
Why do you need so many horses ? Carriage with multiple horses ? Isn`t it better to have 4 than 5 ? An even number works better together like siblings . How tall are they ? (16 hands ?) Nice guys .
Posted by: Dani & cats | March 25th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Martha. .. .Hope you purchase Hinke and Mayo. . . Martyn would be so happy to know his family members are so well taken care of .. but of course I understand all the considerations prior to bringing them home!
Looking forward to hearing more and thanks again for the beautiful photos ..
regards, your friend. . nina
Posted by: nina zeumer | March 25th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Hi Martha !
Beautiful horses ! The yearlings are soooo cute !!!!
But your horses are so shiny ! Do they have a special diet / supplements ?
Love to know more from your horses ! Maybe a horse blog ?
Have a nice day !
Posted by: Dani & cats | March 25th, 2010 at 10:13 am
When bring home a new horse, how do your horses react?
Posted by: NeatNicole from Illinois | March 25th, 2010 at 10:17 am
What fun you had in Ontario doing some of your favorite things! It will be interesting to know which horse(s) will make its way to Bedford.
Posted by: sherey | March 25th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Hi Martha,
I've loved your horses ever since I saw a picture of them in Vanity Fair back in '05. They were running in the paddock and all you could see was muscle on their beautiful black bodies. I think it was the first time you showed us your beautiful stables too. It’s for certain whatever horse/horses you decide on will live a happy life just like all of your animals. I can't wait to see who it will be! Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 25th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Horses are beautiful animals. Martha, you looked wonderful when you grabbed that Crona beer by the long neck tipped it up and drank.
What was it Ernest hemingway said about that?
Posted by: ann | March 25th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Hi Martha, I love seeing your horses, please keep us informed when you get your new ones. They look so healthy & shiny. I also love seeing Marc Marone on your show, I call him Dr. Dolittle because he has so many animals & they all get along fine togehter, & he know so much about them. Thanks for sharing. JoAnn
Posted by: JoAnn | March 25th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Hi Martha, It's hard to believe that you have had those beautiful Friesians for ten years! I love every blog that you do about them. Your trip with Betsy to Witteveen's farm was really fun to see. If you do get another Friesian, Hinke would be a fantastic addition to the ones you have now especially since he is Martyn's brother and looks as handsome as yours. That trip to Toronto was so much fun to see through your fantastic photos. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 25th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
that is fantastic you made it to see the Witteveen facility here in Ontario - as a horse lover and equine artist, I find they are one breed that exudes such elegance and interesting lines ~ all the while being so docile and friendly to work with at the same time.
Posted by: Jennifer Pratt | March 25th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Martha is not only kind to animals she herself is sensitive to humans. I attended Canada Blooms in Toronto and caught Martha off guard after her talk and demonstration on stage at the show (sorry but I only had a second to get the only pic of Martha that day) when I asked Martha as she walked off stage if I could take a picture of her boots. Without hesitation she smiled, posed and allowed me to get the only picture I took of her. She is a very kind lady. Here is the result of that encounter! http://bit.ly/cSX6YP It's a story about shoes, if you don't want to read it just scroll down to the picture of Martha's boots. P.S. Martha has much better pictures of the same boots but I feel so proud of my picture.
thanks,
May
Posted by: may georgina delory | March 25th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
It is a credit to this farm that no horses were lost in the barn fire. My mother told the story of her Uncle's barn fire. They were able to remove all the animals, but unexpectedly her Uncle's favorite horse broke away and ran back in the barn and perished. The horse, being frightened, had unwittingly sought the security of the barn, even though it was burning. Mom said her Uncle mourned that horse for the rest of his life.
Posted by: Lee | March 26th, 2010 at 1:19 am
Such beautiful animals... and all the awards they have gotten for them are amazing... love these photos and wish I would been there... have a great Friday!
Posted by: Punctuation Mark | March 26th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Martha,
I hope you do purchase a few horses. I am orginaly from Brantford,Ont. I have seen many of their horses. They have very beautiful horses. I enjoyed seeing the photos of the horses you currently own. Thanks for sharing
Posted by: alicia pozzo | March 26th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
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Such beauties! Especially photo 9!
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Truly, a nice, nice head shot. One of your best.
Posted by: andrea and weims on twitter | March 26th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
In addition to the fine entertainment value of your website and blog is the educational value. Without exception, I always learn something new, often about something I have never heard of, and I end up cross referencing and researching for even greater detail in insight. What a great contribution you make to the world on so many levels. Many thanks!
Posted by: Orlandoan One | March 27th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Friesians are such beautiful horses, just magnificent. It's always such a pleasure to read about your horses. I'm glad to know that none of those beauties were harmed in the fire. Lovely post.
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 28th, 2010 at 12:47 am
I am completely fascinated with this breed. I would love to have a pair on our cattle farm...they would look gorgeous with all the black cattle! It would be a fun project for my 3 year old son Owen and I. Are there any folks closer to Ohio who breed and raise Friesians?
Posted by: Cynda Fennig | March 28th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Martha
The next time you are in Ontario you should stop by Sonview Gypsy Ranch in Waterloo. We have some of the most beautiful Gyspy horses in North America. A great compliment to your beautiful Friesians. Check out our website! We are only a short drive from the Witteveen Farm in Paris.
Hope to see you soon!
Posted by: Sonview Gypsy Ranch | May 6th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear sweet baby. I know how much they become a part of you and quickly. I can see the hurt in your eyes and my heart breaks for the little guy. I lost two of my best friends one month apart and I didn't think I could ever get over it, however, I got Izzy and Ozzy (Shih Tzus) and it helped my heart to mend. I see you have other doggies and that's a good thing. I really enjoy you, your show, and your products. Thank you for all you do, I think you're great. My best wishes to you and yours.
Posted by: annie ellis | July 14th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Martha, you have very beautiful Friesians. Have you ever shown them? We show our two Friesians as often as we can.
Please consider coming to the Friesian Nationals Horse show in Lexington, VA in 2 weeks, from Oct. 5th to 10th. If you can't make it, could you at least give a plug to the show so that more people can be exposed to these gorgeous horses. Thank you.
Brenda & Charley Roberts
Waterloo, IL
Posted by: Brenda Roberts | September 18th, 2011 at 10:51 pm