The Netherlands, home of the Dutch, land of the Friesians.

We flew out January 6 and arrived in Grou the morning of the 7th somehow missing an entire night. 

It didn't matter though as my adrenaline was ready to embrace our adventure .

An adventure including 16 people in a tour group and a whole lotta of Friesian horses.

We all came from various parts of the country, California, Ohio, Canada, Arizona, Texas, Washington and Montana to watch the Friesian Stallion show and Prom.

The stallion show is really what they call a Keuring or horse inspection. A show for us but a judging for the horses. While being led around an arena judges were watching for their conformation, how they move, what they look like, their attitude and a lot of other details about the horse. 

It's a pretty big deal as their rank is important for becoming an 'approved stallion' for breeding purposes.

There was also much more going on. We also witnessed horse and rider competing for the title of  'Horse of the Year'

Marc Peter Spahn, a world renown trainer and rider and his horse Elias #494 won the honor and title. We were privileged to visit his stable and meet Elias as well as watch a mini clinic given by Peter.

We also visited other elite stables where the best of the best stallions and mares are housed.

It was quite the treat getting a taste of what Heaven is going to be like. Had I not kept pinching myself it's exactly where I thought I was.

While we were there, we visited cute towns,

  Watched how wooden shoes are made, and yes they still wear them.

What do you think, are they a fit?

We also  toured a few museums. These are some of the traditional dresses the ladies used to wear.

 Skating is a big part of their culture, especially back in the day. When the water canals would freeze they would skate from town to town.

Then there was the food. Lots of food! To say the least, we were well fed.

Ok so those are mostly the desserts, but hey I was in Heaven.

While we were at the Show, they debuted Jasper #366, a 25 year old retired Stallion who is considered The King of Friesians. He's well decorated with titles and accomplishments as well as known for siring incredible prodigy.

With our VIP passes a few of us girls went behind the arena to see the horses, especially Jasper since we knew he was going to be presented soon. 

What I saw when we approached his stall was a tired old man. Grey hairs lined his eyes, his crest had collapsed and he was tucked in with a warm blanket. Bless his heart and here he was getting ready to make his last debut.

What I saw when we took our seats waiting for him to make his appearance was a true performer. The announcer set the stage building up the audience, the spot lights lighted the arena and Jasper enter the room.

He came out in all his glory. His long mane was flowing, his steps were strong and high and he pranced around reclaiming what once was his arena.

I did not know anything thing about this Stallion prior to the show, but I was in tears watching this incredible 25 year old horse not only own the arena but the audience as they stood and clapped and cheered for the King of Friesians.

Then as if that wasn't enough, they proceeded to bring out his  prodigy. Sons, grandsons and great grandsons filled the arena all standing behind him lined up like a family tree with Jasper in front.

It was emotional to watch. The respect that the Friesian world has for their horses is truly admirable.

Then came the Friesian Prom. It was like a Vegas show on steroids. Beautiful horses, actors, singers and Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman.

Lorenzo and his horses are beyond words. It was one of the most magnificent horse performances I've ever seen.

 I have to give Carrie Wagner credit for her great photos of Lorenzo. She is a horse photographer who was in our group. She also owns one of Jaspers sons so seeing him in person was a really big honor for her.

 A film crew was there as they are in the process of making a documentary of Jasper. They were pleased to interview Carrie because of her relation to the prominent horse.

As part of our touring around we went to the famous dike. 

We didn't see the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dike but we did rub the statue for good luck.

After we saw all we could see with the time that we had, it was time to leave this Celestial atmosphere.

But knowing I had a little slice of heaven waiting for me at home made it easier to return.