Sisters ranch hosts Friesian horse show

Clay Maier puts the Knapp Friesians through their paces.

Jim and Judi Knapp hosted an afternoon of free equine entertainment on Saturday, August 3, at the Willows Ranch, home of the Knapp Friesian Horses.

The display of horsemanship thrilled the audience of several hundred.

The event was an opportunity to show locals the magical entertainment routines which the Knapp Friesians perform around the country. It also served as a benefit for Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center.

The Knapp Friesians rarely appear in the West as there are few large equine events in which to perform.

The Friesian is a large, powerful horse that gained renown as a knights' horse. Their grace and power is accentuated by their deep black coats.

Spectators watched trainers Clay Maier and Lea McFarland-Bushnell execute a dressage routine on two young geldings.

Fran Robertson of Little Remuda Ranch at Tumalo rode Judi Knapp's "little trail horse," Hero, in a bridleless western riding routine. The Friesians are generally seen in English tack, but Robertson and Hero did the west proud with their number.

Maier performed the premier act, "Friesian Spectacular," and the event wonld up with a truly impressive duet by Maier and McFarland-Bushnell on two magnificent geldings. Each routine was done to music, chosen to complement the mood of the horses' movements.

Healing Reins participants demonstrated their skills between the Friesian acts. The audience was able to learn about the benefits of therapeutic riding.

A special guest was Miss Rodeo Oregon 2003, Marla Meadows. A recent psychology graduate, Meadows aims to do her Ph.D. thesis on equine-assisted therapy. She demonstrated her own considerable riding skills on one of Robertson's horses and gave an impassioned plea for support of Healing Reins.

Judi Knapp, narrating the Friesian performances, observed that the advanced movements Maier was doing aboard the horses "would be difficult for 99 percent of riders, but are not particularly so for Clay."

He has developed the routines which involve driving one or two horses on long reins while riding one behind. He directs the front horse with voice, rein and whip commands.

An accomplished carriage driver as well as rider, this exceptional horseman has trained the horses to a level which makes the performances unique in the world of equine entertainment.

Dressed in black velvet jackets decorated with gold sequins, with gold sparkling on the horses' tack, Maier and McFarland-Bushnell finished the exhibition with a flourish.

McFarland-Bushnell's long, blond hair and the flowing lines of her costume complemented the equally flowing manes and tails of the horses. Accompanied by stirring music, the duet featured advanced dressage movements. The tempo of the music matched the speed of the movements; some were performed at a full gallop, some at a near stand-still.

Knapp said the routine was developed for the Sisters demonstration last year and has proved so popular that it is now included in the performance at larger events. The locals were appreciative of the opportunity to witness it.

"It's really something to be able to see this," said Diane Davis, of Terrebonne.

"It makes me want to learn to ride better," said Alison Rice, who took time off from ranch work to attend.

The Knapp Friesians perform at several large equine events annually. McFarland-Bushnell does some dressage competitions, and in the past Maier competed in driving events with the horses. These days, the main emphasis is on entertainment.

They spent several weeks last summer as "visitor exhibitors" at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The venue is like a theme park for horse lovers, with representatives of nearly every breed and equine discipline.

"It was an honor to be invited there," Knapp said.

Later this year they will be appearing at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. This is a huge event which combines a trade show with entertainment and clinics. Maier will conduct long-reining and driving clinics as well as give the performances.

Another favorite event in September is the Draft Horse Classic in Grass Valley, California. The Knapp Friesians have been performing there for years.

"Clay has become an institution there," said Knapp. "There are 25,000 spectators and they love to see the Friesians."

Visitors are welcome at Willows Ranch, by appointment only.