UK Friesian Horse Studbook

I am relatively new to Friesian ownership although me and my family have had horses working and pleasure horses for generations. I have always admired and loved Friesian horses but didn’t have the opportunity or space to own one in addition to our Welsh broodmares and family horses. I have been breeding full and part bred Welsh horses but missed the magic that only Friesian horses can bring. Their majesty, amazing natures and incredible movement is so magnetic that I couldn’t give up my dream. When we moved to our current stud I reached out and took some great advice from both here in the UK, and in the Netherlands, and started my Friesian journey. I have 4 kids and about 24 horses, who keep me very busy. I enjoy producing and showing my home-breds and have competed at Royal International, CHAPS, TOYS etc. In my professional life I have worked in pharmaceutics in Regulatory Affairs ensuring worldwide compliance of digital drug licence applications and clinical trials as well as running our own companies as director for the last 21 years. I am passionate about enabling British breeders to produce the best of Friesian qualities and safeguarding the future of breeding in the UK. I want to ensure our continued passport compliance and yet maintaining our close ties to Holland post Brexit so I am taking up the role of Registrar and will be able to help with your passport enquiries.

​I was the typical horsey kid, that did anything possible to get anywhere near a horse. Friesian horses always fascinated me and it was always my dream to someday have one. They exude something special for me that makes them unlike any other breed. Finally in 2016 I took the plunge and bought my first Friesian, Neeske who I imported from Holland. In November 2020 we welcomed Thialda into the family, who was pregnant when we imported her from Holland. She give birth to Roxburgh in April 2021 and they have been the perfect additions to our Friesian herd. They totally take my breath away when I see their beautiful faces and I can’t quite believe how lucky I am to have them in my life. I am the interim Company Secretary on the FHAGBI Board and am responsible for all the financial affairs. I’ve also taken on duties of the membership secretary. Looking forward to getting to know all the FHAGBI members and enjoying our black pearls.

​I was born passionate about horses and been engaged with them for the most of my life. Completed BSc in Veterinary Medicine with distinction in Kiev, Ukraine, and had been working as a trainer at a large harness racing/training facility (Kiev Hippodrome) for 5 years before moving to UK to do MSc in Equine Science at Hartpury College. I had bought my first Friesian Pettie V. after graduation in 2009 and my heart was lost to Friesians forever.  Since then, I had two children, bought few more Friesians and bred nine foals.  I do love the Friesian Horse with all my heart, their beauty and their kind and intelligent nature. I am keen to use every opportunity to learn more about the breed.  My main interests are: Equine genetics, Modern Breeding Technics (I’m a trained Equine AI Technician), Dressage especially Classical approach, Equine Behaviour and Natural Horsemanship. I do love hacking, beach rides and enjoy doing any sorts of activities involving spending time with these magnificent creatures!

Together with my wife Gaynor, I am a partner in Fraithwen Friesians, in the hills of Mid Wales. We have been breeding KFPS registered friesians for 10 years now, and visit Holland many times a year to train ourselves, and move horses for breeding and training. We are very privileged to own several wonderful brood mares, and have bred 3 ster graded offspring to date with more youngstock coming through to be graded, and also had a UK supreme champion and two reserves, plus youngstock champions and other class champions. I drive our horses regularly and Gaynor rides, so many of our horses do both disciplines. Our horses are our hobby and passion and my work now is in renewables and building. As well as the breeding, we love recreational driving and riding, and love taking friends and visitors out to enjoy the horses with us. Pre covid we did many weddings with a pair of stallions and hope to get back into this soon, time permitting. I have always been passionate about learning and helping other people.