Iron Spring Farm has added Meinse 439, a five-year-old KFPS stallion by Heinse 354, to their already impressive lineup of Friesians. An exciting young First Premium stallion, Meinse was imported earlier this year after receiving scores as high as 70% at the Pavo Stallion Competition at L level in The Netherlands.

The handsome black stallion will spend the winter at Iron Spring Farm South in Ocala, FL, where he will be prepared for his American debut in the dressage ring. “We are already having a great time with Meinse,” said owner and rider Mary Alice Malone. “He has everything we’ve loved in his father, and he’s a natural for dressage.”

Meinse is expected to produce excellent Friesian type along with three quality gaits and fluid movement. Built uphill, he has a beautiful shoulder and neck, and is a nice rectangular model. He is well balanced and has quality movement. His inspection results indicate that Meinse has a spacious walk, an active, strong trot and powerful canter.

Throughout his stallion test, Meinse received good marks and is considered a versatile stallion, with great qualities for both under saddle and harness work. Susan Bouwman-Wind, head trainer at Drachten, stated, “In my eyes, Meinse is a horse with a lot of potential for dressage and harness.”

By Iron Spring Farm’s successful dressage stallion, Heinse 354, who has sired several approved stallions and keuring champions, Meinse is from the important stam line 150. His dam, Femke van Nes is a First Premium Star mare. She is also a half sister to the Model mare, Hiltsje fan Nes, who is the dam of the approved stallion Dries 421.

Malone added, “I think Meinse is exactly the kind of stallion we need to expand the breed’s credibility in the sport. He has an exceptional temperament, is easy to ride, fun to watch and has the heart to do the work. He has a great future.”

Meinse’s first foals will arrive in the Netherlands in 2009. Visit www.ironspringfarm.com to learn more.

For more than 30 years, Iron Spring Farm has been importing and breeding high-quality sport horses. Iron Spring stands nearly a dozen warmblood and Friesian stallions and offers programs to help breeders produce, raise and market exceptional athletes of their own.