News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The magnificent Friesian....
Folks in Sisters got a look at the performance characteristics of the magnificent Friesian horse at an open house hosted by Judi and Jim Knapp at their ranch near Sisters on Saturday, August 25.
According to Judi Knapp, the event allowed their younger horses to gain experience performing in front of a crowd, while locals got a rare chance to watch the professional equine performers at work.
The Knapp Friesians perform regularly -- but seldom in Oregon, because there are few appropriate equine events.
At Saturday's "casual" performance, Clay Maier led the horses through a drill accompanied by music.
Maier has a life-long background in a wide range of equestrian disciplines.
Dressage Trainers Lea McFarland-Bushnell and Kathy Casey also offered performance demonstrations.
Knapp explained the acts and how horses are trained and offered background information on the breed.
Friesians are the oldest horse breed in Europe. Of massive size, the animals served as warhorses -- able to bear an armored rider -- and in a more prosaic role as draft animals.
Because of their size and majestic carriage, they make wonderful entertainers.
The appearance of the horses are unique and unforgettable. They are black in color and have a proud bearing and an animated trot that conveys an image of tremendous power.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
Reader Comments(0)