NorthWoods Friesians

24/10/2025

Is it just me, or is there something so uniquely beautiful about seeing a greying face on a Friesian horse?

Rest easy, Gjalt. 🖤

26/01/2025

Let’s hope it’s the USA!! 🇺🇸

30/12/2024

LOVE this guy!! 🖤

💙💥 KANNE 534 SPORT AAA💥💙

Na een menproef met klasse te hebben afgerond deze ochtend mag onze geweldenaar Kanne 534 de titel “Sport” noteren achter zijn naam!🏆

Kanne 534 is een hengst met veel rasuitstraling, een edel hoofd en sierlijke belijning. Het is een nieuwsgierige hengst die veel inzet toont en heeft van zichzelf een zeer sterk natuurlijk balans. 💪

Kanne 534 komt uit een zeer goede merrielijn met 5 Preferent en Prestatie merries op een rij. Zijn halfzus is Ela Sterre fan de Mersken Sport Model AAA. Meerdere paarden in deze lijn hebben zich al meervoudig bewezen! 👑

Kanne 534 zijn eerste nakomelingen laten zien dat Kanne veel fokzekerheid geeft! Zijn veulens zijn prachtige hoogbenige, sierlijke veulens met edele hoofdjes en veel uitstraling!💎

Kanne 534 is geschikt voor merries waarbij hij het lichaamsgebruik, werkwilligheid en rastype kan verbeteren. Ook voor een hoogverwante merrie is hij de ideale partner!🔥

Bent u net zo enthousiast als wij?🤩 Reserveer Kanne 534 SPORT AAA dan hier voor het dekseizoen 2025!🔥
https://staldemersken.nl/reserveringsformulier/

21/12/2024

❄️ A Winter Solstice Blessing ❄️

May the longest night
and the shortest day
bring rest to your mind
and soul, I pray.

May you find guidance
and may you find peace
as the circle of light
will slowly increase.

Embrace the magic
that the darkness bears
breath deep in the chill
and shift in the air.

May you always be blessed
with the light from within
and may well-being be yours
as a new cycle begins.

14/08/2024

📢 WE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE SHARE!

To confirm a recent research finding, we are conducting an assay of hair samples from purebred Friesians with suspected or confirmed megaesophagus (no vet or necropsy reports are needed).

➡️ If you have a Friesian (any age, living or deceased) that has suspected or confirmed megaesophagus and is KFPS registered through FHANA, meaning they were born in the USA or Canada and their DNA hair sample was submitted to FHANA, please PM us or email your horse's registered name to [email protected]. Confidentiality is assured.

Your horse’s archived hair sample will be used to conduct this important assay and will greatly contribute to our research regarding the inheritance of megaesophagus in Friesian horses. We thank you in advance for your support of this important research! 🙏

Note: For ease and expediency purposes, we are only currently conducting this assay using KFPS hair samples submitted to FHANA because these samples are archived at the University of Kentucky, where this research is taking place.

24/06/2024

Nailed it! 🙌🏻😆

04/04/2024

FRIESIAN RNA DONORS NEEDED!

Recent developments in our Megaesophagus Research Study require us to gather RNA samples from a small number of young Friesian donors. Samples from controls (unaffected Friesians) and study candidates (affected Friesians) are needed. These samples are critical to our current research phase, and we need your help!

WHY RNA?
RNA's principal role is to act as a messenger, carrying instructions from DNA to control the synthesis of proteins. Sometimes, RNA can make errors, resulting in an increased or decreased expression of essential genes, which can lead to disease. By studying the expression of RNA in the esophageal tissue of Friesians affected by megaesophagus and comparing it to the RNA of non-affected Friesians, genes involved in megaesophagus can be more quickly identified.

HOW ARE RNA SAMPLES TAKEN?
RNA is extremely fragile and susceptible to degradation. For optimal results, donor tissue samples must be taken immediately after death or euthanasia. Harvesting and preserving RNA samples requires advanced coordination between owners, veterinarians, pathologists, and our research team. If you have a young Friesian horse that is gravely ill or may require humane euthanasia, and you are willing to donate RNA samples from them, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

WILL I BE REIMBURSED?
Yes! The Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses will reimburse the cost of collecting and shipping these samples. Additionally, necropsy and histology are eligible for reimbursement (up to $400) under our Necropsy Assistance Program.

DONOR REQUIREMENTS
🔹 Purebred Friesian horse
🔹 Ages 0 - 2 years old
🔹 Located in the USA
🔹 Cause of death/euthanasia is immaterial
🔹 Donors do NOT need to have a confirmed or presumed diagnosis of megesophagus. Affected horses will be entered as study candidates. Non-affected horses will serve as controls.
🔹 Necropsy and RNA sample collection must take place immediately after death or euthanasia

We thank the Friesian community for the tremendous support you have shown us in our research efforts! 🙏

➡️ RNA Sample Collection Protocol:https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/_files/ugd/588c21_d9bbed5b4b394fa486c692feed944b0f.pdf

➡️ Necropsy Assistance Request Form:https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/_files/ugd/588c21_7c4aeb33fb5c49bb92bcfc83ffb9a522.pdf

21/03/2024

Visit the Friesian Horse Association of North America website for more information!!

FHANA Ride + Drive Event FHANA is hosting a community ride or drive event to benefit the FHANA Research Initiative....

15/03/2024

FRIESIAN RNA DONORS NEEDED!

Recent developments in our Megaesophagus Research Study require us to gather RNA samples from a small number of young Friesian donors. Samples from controls (unaffected Friesians) and study candidates (affected Friesians) are needed. These samples are critical to our current research phase, and we need your help!

WHY RNA?
RNA's principal role is to act as a messenger, carrying instructions from DNA to control the synthesis of proteins. Sometimes, RNA can make errors, resulting in an increased or decreased expression of essential genes, which can lead to disease. By studying the expression of RNA in the esophageal tissue of Friesians affected by megaesophagus and comparing it to the RNA of non-affected Friesians, genes involved in megaesophagus can be more quickly identified.

HOW ARE RNA SAMPLES TAKEN?
RNA is extremely fragile and susceptible to degradation. For optimal results, donor tissue samples must be taken immediately after death or euthanasia. Harvesting and preserving RNA samples requires advanced coordination between owners, veterinarians, pathologists, and our research team. If you have a young Friesian horse that is gravely ill or may require humane euthanasia, and you are willing to donate RNA samples from them, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

WILL I BE REIMBURSED?
Yes! The Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses will reimburse the cost of collecting and shipping these samples. Additionally, necropsy and histology are eligible for reimbursement (up to $400) under our Necropsy Assistance Program.

DONOR REQUIREMENTS
🔹 Purebred Friesian horse
🔹 Ages 0 - 2 years old
🔹 Located in the USA
🔹 Cause of death/euthanasia is immaterial
🔹 Donors do NOT need to have a confirmed or presumed diagnosis of megesophagus. Affected horses will be entered as study candidates. Non-affected horses will serve as controls.
🔹 Necropsy and RNA sample collection must take place immediately after death or euthanasia

We thank the Friesian community for the tremendous support you have shown us in our research efforts! 🙏

RNA Sample Collection Protocol:https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/_files/ugd/588c21_1189f4c1c7394c9097943bef25e48c08.pdf

Necropsy Assistance Request Form:https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/_files/ugd/588c21_7c4aeb33fb5c49bb92bcfc83ffb9a522.pdf

14/03/2024

I get asked how the girls are doing. “Baby” Metske is an absolute TANK. Jhett is 16.1 hh and she is definitely taller than him. She’s got to be pushing 17 hh .. 👀 Friesians take longer to finish growing and fill out. I know, I know .. “all horses mature at the same rate” .. well, parts of that may be true, but ask any Friesian or cross owner and they will tell you the same. Elsa didn’t really fill out until she was 5-6 years old and she’s going on 7. Metske is turning 4 next month. She will go into training this year for her keuring in the fall. She will get a lot of conditioning and muscle building so she looks good in front of the judges. Hoping, at best, to make it into the main book. A Ster predicate would be amazing! 💫

I’ll get some pictures posted of Yrse too, she’s a peanut of a filly. 🥰

I’m not big on pictures of myself, so I’m only in here for perspective purposes. I’m about 5’2” on a short day. 🫣

29/02/2024

Don’t forget to attend!

Join Our Exclusive Webinar on Advanced Equine Reproductive Techniques with Dr. Kristen Loncar

The Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) is thrilled to invite you to an enlightening webinar that promises to deepen your understanding of equine reproductive health. Dive into the world of advanced equine reproductive techniques with the esteemed Dr. Kristen Loncar.

📅 **Date:** March 7, 2024
⏰ **Time:** 7:00 PM EST
Signup Here: https://fhana.com/news/advanced-equine-reproductive-techniques-with-dr-kristen-loncar/

About Dr. Kristen Loncar:
Dr. Loncar, a distinguished veterinarian, joined the Equine Medical Services (EMS) team in 2017, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise from Colorado. A proud alumnus of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, she earned her DVM in 2012. Her journey continued in Kentucky at Equine Services PSC with a pivotal internship, followed by a master’s degree and a residency in Equine Theriogenology at the prestigious Colorado State University – College of Veterinary Medicine.

Webinar Highlights:
- Insightful exploration of advanced reproductive techniques and their applications.
- Expert advice on managing problem mares and optimizing mare fertility.
- Innovative approaches to neonatal care, ensuring the health and well-being of the next generation of equines.
- An interactive Q&A session with Dr. Loncar, offering personalized advice and insights.

Whether you're a seasoned equine professional or an avid equine enthusiast, this webinar is a golden opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in equine reproductive health. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from one of the best in the field.

18/01/2024

Wolter 513 is 🔥🔥🔥🔥!!