Horses, I’ve always been fascinated by them as from childhood. As a child, not a summer went by without me wanting to ride a horse. Like many, I made 1 of my 1st rides on a pony at Ponypark Slagharen and during another ride on the beach, I fell off a galloping horse due to a loose saddle on Schiermonnikoog. But that didn’t spoil the fun. Once I lived on my own, the time had come, I rode horses for almost 9 years and was heavily trained by the commander of the Rotterdam Mounted Police. From whom I learned to just get back up, to continue with confidence, after every ferocious ride through the arena. A lesson for life.
However, Friesian horses do have a special place in my heart. I love their strength, elegance, ferocity and their deep black striking personality. That beautiful manes, long tail and socks, which only get longer the older they get. But I also love their softness and playfulness. The freedom they radiate in a brisk canter with swaying manes. On the one hand, so accessible, but on the other hand so elusive. It is those contrasts that appeal to me enormously and that I also recognize in my own personality.
During visits to my friend and at Friesian studbook inspection South Netherlands I have the opportunity to photograph these beautiful animals up close. Both the foals, mares and stallions where the personality of the Friesian horse comes out even more clearly. The images I have tried to capture are a combination of their raw, yet age-old ferocity combined with refined elegance. With an emphasis on the strength that these horses radiate, but also their pride. The photos show those contrasts but also the playfulness that makes them so approachable. It’s nice to see how the royalty radiates from a few of these portraits and sometimes also the feeling that I had a direct eye contact with a few horses through the viewfinder of my camera. I have worked out most of the images in black and white so the characteristic elements of the Friesian horse come out even more clearly.
Are you also fascinated by these beautiful animals? Then follow the agenda of the Royal Society of the Friesian Horse Studbook. Throughout the year there are several events where you can admire these beautiful horses, and most events are free of charge. The highlight is the Friesian Proms event every year in January.
In my portfolio Black Pearls you will find a selection of images.