Summer 2025 — Travels, Encounters and Reflections

This summer was full of new experiences, discoveries, and a few emotional moments.
I spent my first 36 hours ever in Italy, visiting Avantea and Mares of Macha to gain a deeper understanding of OPU-ICSI technology. 

The mother of Leone Jei, Dara, at Mares of Macha. With a nod to the Rolex Grand Slam. Photo credit - Lisa Pamperl 

Not long after, I spent five days in England, where I saw a great deal of the country thanks to Eva-Maria Livesey, who had invited me as a guest judge for British Breeding Futurity. She also took me to visit Shane Breen’s sport and stallion stable — an inspiring experience, especially since I finally met Golden Hawk, whose dam Ta Belle van Sombeke I remembered well from my time at Jos Lansink’s.

During that week, I gained a fascinating insight into British breeding — from Conthargos and Big Star offspring to Native breeds. I definitely need to return soon, as my to-do list in England and Ireland keeps growing.

Photocredit - Tanja Davis photography

Later in the year, I was partly working for Avantea at the Bundeschampionate in Warendorf, where I had incredibly interesting conversations with people holding a wide range of opinions and experiences.
Meanwhile, my book has entered its final phase. This summer I spent countless hours gathering photos for it. The saying “the last stretch is always the hardest” has never felt truer — but I’m already overwhelmed by all the encouraging reactions, and I can’t wait to see the final result!
Sadly, not everything this summer was positive. Less than a week after completing an assignment for Hoefslag with my mare L-Texas, Debby Gudden, and Jessica Pijlman, I received a WhatsApp message urging me to call immediately. I knew right away that something was wrong. And yes — I had to let L-Texas go. I said goodbye to her via video call. She was my first horse, and even though I didn’t see her as often as I wished, she was truly my companion.

Because I’m writing this in October, I can also share that I’ve written the texts for the Oldenburg Stallion Licensing catalogue. While working on it, I came across the name of L-Texas’s sire, Tin Rocco, several times. He only produced 468 foals, yet his influence in Oldenburg was greater than I had realized. Josiane, my first care horse, was also by Tin Rocco — and like L-Texas, she was a truly exceptional mare.

Another highlight of recent months was being invited as a speaker at a panel event in a talk-show setting during a networking evening at Green Valley Estate, alongside Piet Raijmakers Sr., Timon van der Leiden, and Rob van Berlo. I’m very grateful to Miriam Smits for this opportunity — it led to inspiring new contacts and conversations.

I’m looking forward to the months ahead — with curiosity, energy, and gratitude for everything that’s happened so far.