Maurits Friso

MAURITS FRISO
(imp.1979)

April 15TH 1976 - December 7TH 2003

Sire: Dagho 247 - Tjsalling 237
Dam: Lieuwke 5271 Model - Nuttert 200

The second stallion to arrive in Australia

Random photos over the years of Maurits Friso taken by hoofbeats, Athletes in Action, Countryman, Hans Maes and myself.

Age 24 years at our FIRST Keuring held in Australia 2000

Maurits was given 3rd Any Other Breed. At this time, Friesians were unheard of in the East.
Tasmin Industries kindly loaned me the Sulky so I could compete in Harness at the Melbourne Royal Show, in which we came 3rd.

His show career was impeccable for such a new breed to Australia.

Supreme Champion Friesian
On numerous occasions the Supreme of all breeds.
Under saddle, NEVER unplaced.
In Harness, a Champion and Supreme Champion

As a sire, Maurits passed on to his progeny his renowned great temperament, creating wonderful partnerships with anyone who was fortunate enough to own a horse by him.

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Maurits Friso was and always will be my dream horse. Not only has he been a pleasure to work with, he has taught me so much and introduced me to some fantastic friends throughout his life.
In my eyes he is magnificent, but in essence, he is so much more. Maurits had the magnetism of a kind, gentle nature, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Adults and children alike have adored him, patting him for hours on end. Without the slightest hesitation, Maurits has enjoyed every moment as well

Perth Royal Show
Ridden Stallion
Photo: Athletes in Action

Melbourne Royal Show 1985 >

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THE THINGS WE DO!

My daughter Emma (at 3 years) and I rode for miles cross-country like this.

This is our hilarious home-made cart; the only comfort was the bench car seat mounted over the wheels!

Gordon and Peg Bailey, this one's for you! As you can imagine they did not feel safe and not long after they got out, I drove too fast over a mound and my home made cart all fell to bits!!!

Maurits retired Champion Friesian after 13 years, to be beaten only once. On numerous occasions, he won Champion and Supreme Champion Of ALL BREEDS. Again as complete novices, Maurits and I went on to be Champion Harness Horse at almost every outing - also Supreme Harness Horse (mostly Perth Royal Shows). He placed 2nd at his only try at Combined Driving. In Ridden Classes, he was never unplaced, and was an absolute delight to ride. Maurits I know could have been a wonderful dressage horse, but between us both, novice level was the highest we achieved. Having got married and started a family slowed my life with my Friesians up considerably. When I was ready again, his old head injury had caused a cyst to grow in his head (benign). This caused his forehead to distort as it filled with fluid. He had large amounts of polyps growing off the cyst, blocking his nasal passage. An operation was the only choice, so at 18 years of age he had major surgery, and to everyone's delight, he survived. Many, many thanks goes to the team at Murdoch University who helped save his life.

Murdoch has what they call "The Maurits Bible ", documenting his operation pre and post. The first blow-up mattress was purchased at that time to help with the length of time he was laid out, and to lessen the chance of laminitis. IT WORKED!!!! Since that time, Maurits has been retired totally from shows and work, unless there's a mare in front of him switching the brain off!!!!! His balance at trot and canter lacks confidence; I haven't bothered to find out why, its just great to have him back.

He lived beyond expectations and sired foals up to the age of 27 years old.

However, to me he was the most beautiful, kindest, loving Stallion (Mate) anyone could have wished to have in their life. (Not bad to say that about a horse!)

~ Di Hill