The little farm is located in a town called 'T Zand ( meaning: sand) and it is about 15 minutes down the road from Den Helder. The farm is owned by Jan and Meik, and they are both veterinarians as well. On there farm they specialize in raising Friesian Horses. Friesian Horses are the only "Dutch Horse" and they are bred in an area of Holland that was once Friesland. These are large horses that have many uses, and over the centuries have been used as everything from farming horses to war and cavalry horses. They average approximately 15 hands, and are docile yet responsive, with a balanced carriage, now a days you will see them used mainly as harness horses. ( oh and the Dutch word for horses is paarden!)
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| Gerjanneke, the soon to be mama, after a day of grooming! |
On their Farm Meik has 5 Friesians, 3 mares and 2 geldings. One of the mares, Gerjanneke (pictured above), is pregnant! In addition to the Freisians there are also sheep, and luckily for me, right now all of the mama sheep are having little lambs... They are absolutely adorable,but not as soft as you would think... The mom of the first set of lambs could not produce enough milk for the both of them, so Meik has to hand feed one of them. On Mondays I get to help in doing this as well, and it is so fun. Now that the lambs are a week old, they get to go out in the pasture for a few hours, and I can tell you, nothing is cuter then the two brothers prancing around, exploring their new world. I have gotten a message from Meik saying that when I come out on Monday there will be 3 more babies!!!!
One of my favorites on the farm would be the pony, Kneppie. He was seized by the Dutch authorities from his previous owner, who was starving him to death. He was brought to the farm where he was nursed back to health, and now leads a very happily life. Kneppie is so sweet, happy, and believe it or not, he is incredibly soft!!! He is my special buddy :)
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| Kneppie the pony and Weitske the youngest mare |
In addition to all of the farm animals, there is also Toshie, the Farm dog, an 11 yr old shepard, and 3 farm kitties.
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| Farm kitty wanting a little attention |
Spending Mondays out on the farm has really helped to combat my boredom, and has really helped to keep me sane. I enjoy the company of Meik and the animals, and I am slowly learning more about all things Dutch!
I hope that you all have enjoyed meeting my Monday friends. As always, I wish for happy wanderings and wonderings for you all!!!
