It was a great honour and privilege to be asked to judge the Vrouwenpolder Wpcs show in Holland 2011. I was met at theSchiphol airport by Theo and Ellen Aarts. I have to say, the airport was quite impressive. The walk from Arrivals to their car must have taken us at least 15 minutes to walk. I have to say both Theo and Ellen spoke English very fluently and I felt at home very much from the start.

Saturday morning came and we left the hotel at 8.00am for the showground to start judging for 9.00am.The Section A classes were to start, and although the entries forward were not the same as here in Wales, and the ponies varied in type, this did not reflect on the quality of animals that came forward. My young stock winner here was a filly called Idyllic Mariposa who gave a fantastic show, even at the end of the day she still went as well as the time I first set eyes on her that morning. I have no doubt she will be a name to remember. My champion went to the 11 year old barren mare winner Liezelshof Summer Girl and Idyllic Mariposa taking reserve.

Next to judge was the Section B ponies and by this time the heavens had started to open, however this didn’t dampen the spirits of the Spectators and participants, both were as keen as ever. My Champion in this section was the lovely mare Millwood Maggaritta and reserve going to the 2 year old filly Stougjeshoeve Dream Crystal. Again I had some lovely ponies come forward.

It was time to take a short lunch break and before I knew it I was back in the ring with the judging of the Section C ponies of cob type. In this section ponies were not strong in numbers, my champion in this section went to the broodmare Fronarth Shiree a daughter of Tremymor Sportsman.

This was then followed by the judging of the Section D classes again not too strong in numbers but there were some animals forward of good type, my champion in this section went to the 4 year old barren mare winner Ring Rosebud who belied her age.

Later that afternoon was the hardest challenge of all, the young handlers classes my winner was 6 Year old Gudo Valk from Waterlandkerkje (NL) with his section B pony Wildzang’s Royal Diamond. I have no doubt this young man has a very bright future ahead of him.

Supreme of the show went to Ring Rosebud and reserve going to the Section B mare Millwood Marggaritta.

Even though my trip to Holland was a short one with me flying in on the Friday evening and then Departing first thing Sunday morning, it was a very enjoyable experience and one I shall never forget. May I take this opportunity to thank all the people who brought the ponies and cobs forward for judging. It was a great pleasure to see so many good animals forward in one venue.

But most of all to Theo and Ellen Aarts and the show committee who made me feel so welcome, I have no doubt I have made many good friends through this trip !

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