Martijn's Horse(s)

[Martijn van der Berg]

RITSKE VDB

I . II

The Basics
Registered Name: Ritske VDB
Barn Name: Ritske
Age: 12 years
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Frisian
Breed Registry: FHANA/FPS

The Appearance
Coat Color: Black
Stable Color: Black and Maroon (Saddle Pad and Blanket embroidery)
Height: 16.1 HH

The Personality
Personality: Ritske is a very effective mount, doing what is asked for him efficiently. While his flair is still noticeable, moving gracefully even if he's just running across a pasture, it's a natural thing, and the gelding has no regard for what some might consider vanity. Really, though, he's a very spontaneous horse, and is always up for a hack through the woods, or a cart ride along roads. Nothing seems to phase this horse enough to spook him, and he can continue to plod on through most things. However, thunderstorms are another matter, and it is a source of constant worry for Tijn, as neither a stall nor a pasture are particularly safe for him. However, usually leaving Eir and Sybren with him will calm him down.
Caution Around: Him during thunderstorms.

The History
Basic History: Ritske was born and raised on the Van der Berg farm. His original training was done by Martijn's father, although by the time he was two, he was in all but name Martijn's horse. That was about when Martijn had accompanied his father on a trip to Hollywood, their horses being used in a film. This, and seeing some of the tricks that other horses knew, inspired him to teach the gelding an assortment of tricks along with the driving and riding. He was originally not trained in proper dressage, but only the aspects that helped a horse in other work, but some work with him by a dressage trainer who held a clinic at the farm has brought him up to speed on the basics for the rest. Now he and Tijn must learn together.

The Technicalities
Discipline: Dressage, driving (combined and for pleasure), assorted trick training
Owner: Martijn Van der Berg
Rider: Martijn Van der Berg

[Martijn van der Berg]

SYBREN VDB

I . II

The Basics
Registered Name: Sybren VDB
Barn Name: Sybren
Age: 12 years
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Frisian
Breed Registry: FHANA/FPS

The Appearance
Coat Color: Black
Stable Color: Black and Maroon (Saddle Pad and Blanket embroidery)
Height: 16.1

The Personality
Personality: If one is in the habit of anthropomorphizing, it would be no stretch of the imagination to assign the term 'vain' to Sybren. He is one of the most picky horses about the condition of his tack, and works less-willingly if something hasn't been cleaned properly. He is quick to voice his displeasure of any situation, although he settles down once in-hand. He could also be considered something of a flirt, as he does pay attention to the mares more than Ritske would, although both were gelded young, and requires some extra concentration. No weather or sound seems to phase him, and he loves to please when actually asked for something, so dealing with his idiosyncrasies is an easy choice for Martijn.
Caution Around: Mares, he can get distracted more easily.

The History
Basic History: Sybren was born and raised on the Van der Berg farm, only two days younger than Ritske. He was raised alongside the other gelding, and the two were taught to work together from their earliest moments. When Ritske moved more into Martijn's hands, Sybren remained for a while, until they had reached their final height, and it was apparent that the two were too good a matched pair to give up. Again the two came together, working with Mr. Van der Berg on driving, and under saddle by Martijn. Sybren proved more apt at dressage initially, his natural carriage working with him, but the two soon evened once more. When they were separated, both began to lose condition, and it was decided that Sybren may as well join his brother (in all but lineage) up at Blue Ridge.

The Technicalities
Discipline: Dressage, driving (combined and for pleasure), assorted command training
Owner: Martijn Van der Berg
Rider: Martijn Van der Berg