Above pictured, as a 3 year old Studbook Ster mare, Maaike, who was selected to compete at the Eurobottle Cup Competition, which recognizes very talented young dressage horses.  Here she qualified to compete at the Eurobottle Cup Finals. 

Below, Maaike, is pictured at the highly coveted Eurobottle Cup Finals in Marienheem, on December 15th 2007, where she placed 15th, ridden by Ingrid Brak, a l6 year old, young, talented dressage rider, who was up against seasoned FEI riders.  There were 148 horses in Europe that qualified and competed at the Eurobottle Cup Finals.

Maaike's sire, is World Grand Champion, Folkert353.  Maaike received 7.5 for breed type on her linear score sheet and has at least 20 ster, model, preferent in her pedigree. 

Photo credits: Esther Van Putten http://www.concoursfotografie.nl

Maaike is in full training and will be trying her IBOP test.  Maaike will be bred to Minste 384 for a 2012 foal, as were at the 25th Friesian Extravaganza in Reno Nevada and we were able to see a Minste X Folkert offspring, which we were very impressed with and we also saw Minste 384 himself, who we were so impressed with we booked a breeding for Maaike with Minste, right on the spot. 

Maaike in Canada

Maaike arrived into Toronto Pearson International Airport and is pictured in the centre of the horse container and was lucky enough to ride along with a Grand Prix Dressage Horse, Maguin, pictured on her right, who was returning to Canada to be united with new owner, Annie Desranleau. 

It was clear to us that Maaike had never seen so much snow before, as we live in the "snow belt".