Iron Spring Farm lost a beloved member of the family when Heinse 354 succumbed to colic last week. The 15-year-old stallion was known for his impressive performance career as both a dressage and driving horse, as well as for his successful offspring, which includes three approved sons. The handsome Friesian exemplified the best traits of the breed—beauty, athletic ability and an excellent temperament—and is already missed.

"Heinse was the type of horse that anyone would love to have in the barn," remembered his owner and rider Mary Alice Malone. "He was fun to ride and show, easy to be around and produced outstanding offspring. It is a very hard loss."

Mary Alice and Heinse competed in Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges at some of the country's most prestigious shows. Among the highlights: Reserve Champion Fourth Level Freestyle at the 2005 CBLM Championships and High Score at the Vada/Nova Autumn show where he won his Fourth Level tests with scores of 67.44% and 70.46%. His impressive show record earned Heinse the prestigious sport predicate.

Before being imported to the United States in the fall of 2004, Heinse was a two-time winner of the Dutch National Driving Championships. He is also a three-time Dutch National Champion Friesian Stallion. One of the greatest honors in Heinse's career was to be invited back to The Netherlands to perform at the 125th anniversary show of the KFPS in November 2004. Along with Goffert 369 and Belinda Nairn Wertman, Heinse 354 and Malone performed musical freestyles during the gala evening entertainment that celebrated 125 years of Friesian breeding. "This was an event that I will remember for the rest of my life," Malone stated. "The crowd absolutely loved Heinse, and it was an honor to perform at this historic celebration."

Heinse's charisma and athletic ability may be attributed to his regal bloodlines. His sire, Leffert 306 Preferent, was a two-time Grand Champion at the KFPS Stallion Show and a successful dressage horse with wins through the Z level. Heinse's mother line is equally impressive. His dam, the Star mare Ljutske, is from Stamm Line 122, the oldest mother line in The Netherlands.

With excellent bloodlines, it is no surprise that Heinse has passed on his excellent qualities to his sons and daughters. Approved on offspring, Heinse has sired 130 Star sons and daughters, numerous Premies and the approved stallions: Wisse 408, Bente 412 and Meinse 439, who is now standing at Iron Spring Farm. Just five years old, Meinse 439 is already winning with Malone. The pair is currently competing at first level with scores as high as 79.47%. They have earned two high point and one reserve high point award in three shows. "Meinse has a lot of his father in him, and we are so grateful that Heinse can live on through his offspring," Malone added.

For more information, visit www.ironspringfarm.com or visit their Facebook page to leave your memories and condolences.