With its distinctive black coat, the Friesian horse breed is known around the world. Starting on Thursday, the 18th of July, horse lovers can come to Friesland for the free event, the Hynstedagen Tytsjerksteradiel.
Translation by Hans de Preter
From Thursday the 18th to Saturday the 20th, the Hynstedagen Tytsjerksteradiel will be held at the Sumarreheide near Sumar and Garyp. This large Friesian equestrian event has drawn horse lovers to Fryslân for 21 years: the 2018 edition drew 4,500 people.
The Hynstedagen, which means “Stallion Days”, features a varied programme with dressage, carriages, horse inspections, horse and buggy displays, harness categories, championships, evening competitions and shows, including a number where riders are clad in traditional regional clothing. More than 500 horses will compete for around 10,000 euros in prize money.
On Thursday, the programme will get underway at 1 p.m. with several dressage events. On Friday, activities will begin at 9 a.m. and will include judging Friesian horses and foals. The afternoon programme traditionally starts with the pony inspections and carriage events, which is followed by the evening competition with dressage driving, harness headings, the cleanest unit and championships.
Saturday the 20th of July is the final day of the annual event and activities will start at 8 a.m. This day is all about the Frisian harness horses with the Dutch national and regional class of honour (Ereklasse), and dressage rider Lisanne Veenje will host a dressage clinic. Championships for multiple categories are also held on this day, which is also breeding day for the Friesian breed.
For more information, be sure to visit the Hynstedagen website.