Here’s the schedule for our Open House!
My primary goals for Shooting Star Farm over the last 30+ years have been trifold:
1. Develop an internationally important breeding program
2. Educate breeders and riders to improve the overall breeding pool of Dutch horses in North America
3. Help people afford the horses of their dreams
Our new facility is a physical representation of these goals, and, with this schedule, I’m hoping not only to showcase our program and celebrate our successes, I’m also hoping to provide an educational opportunity aimed at giving people an opportunity to learn about KWPN horses and network with other breeders and experts from around the world. There should be something here for non-horse people, new breeders, and those of us who have been in the business of breeding horses for decades.
Friday, October 13th:
Carol and I welcome you to dinner and social time at our home. There will be plenty of food and libation to augment the conversation and festivities. I’m planning on making one of my favorite dishes, Pastitsio, along with one of my most popular desserts, Tiramisu Trifle.
*please, RSVP if you’re planning on being here Friday night. Just want to make sure to have enough food.
Saturday, October 14th:
9:00 am Barns Open
10:00 am Welcome and Floris and Scot Training Session
I’ve gone back and forth about riding in public, but have decided to go for it. We built this facility to use and enjoy it, and what better way to demonstrate that anyone can can make their dreams come true than watch an older, amateur with a non-rider body have some fun on his pony?
10:30 am Educational Module: KWPN Breeding Directions Floor Dröge and Chantal van Dijk will join me in discussing the four primary breeding directions within the KWPN, Jumping, Dressage, Harness, and Gelders. We’ll present a horse from each breeding direction, and welcome discussion and questions.
11 am Premier SSF Presentation with Wim Cazemier on the Lunge
11:30 Retirement Ceremony for the great Atleet (outdoor arena)
12:00 Lunch
Graciously sponsored by Poulin Grains and Horse and Buggy Feeds.
1:00 Mini Clinic with Tracy McReynolds: Round pen work and backing a young horse
1:30 Jaleet Presentation with Wim Cazemier (outdoor arena)
2:00 SSF Offspring Under Saddle
Outrageous SSF (Gaudi x Bon Bravour) with Jane Hannigan
Patronus SSF (Vivino x Contango) with Christina Major
Notable SSF (Governor x Sir Sinclair) with Kathi Bruce
2:30 SSF Youngstock
2:45 Gaudi Presentation in Hand
3:00 Mare Championship
Since the heart of any breeding program is the quality of its mares, I want to end the day with the real stars of our program. KWPN jury member, Floor Dröge, and successful breeder and trainer, Chantal van Dijk, will judge SEVEN of the SSF keur-eligible, keur, and elite mares, from multiple breeding directions, but all used in our dressage-breeding program.
4:00 Let the Party Begin!
Sarah and Tony Baribeault of Half Tone Brewery have donated a keg of an orange Belgian wheat created just for this event! We’ll also have a variety of hors’ devours on the patio.
Additionally, there are a few MAJOR giveaways during the day!
Cheshire Horse has generously donated three prizes that will be much coveted:
-a Yeti Cooler
-a Warmblood-size, heavy weight blanket
-a pair of Muck Boots
The Tolman family is offering a free breeding to
the SSF stallion of your choice.
***you must be in attendance when the tickets are drawn to win
Thank you ahead of time to all the people behind the scenes who are making this event possible. It should be a great day. I hope you can join us. Text me at 603-209-3243 for more information, directions, travel accommodations. Please, feel free to share this post.
