Let's give … Geert Verbaas a call

Dieke Slingerland tries to call a Welsh breeder every week,
-a user and/or enthusiast for the ‘Let’s Give … a Call’ column. Who she calls depends on what’s in the news at the time.

What’s the best way to start with ‘Let’s give … a call’? I didn’t have to think long about that. Of course, it has to be Geert Verbaas, after Stougjeshoeve Estelle won the daily championship at the Central Mare Inspection. What’s more, he’s had many more successes in previous years, including with Stougjeshoeve Escudo at the Royal Welsh.

But who is the man behind the Stougjeshoeve breeding program?

Upon hearing this question, Geert Verbaas immediately responds, “I don’t do it alone! My mom does a lot, and my girlfriend helps out a lot, too—we really do it together.”

How do you explain your successes in both the daily championship and the youth championship in Section B? Is it because of your breeding program?

“Our ideas about stallions are sometimes different from what everyone else in the Netherlands uses. We also select many stallions from Great Britain, and when we do, we pay particular attention to the dam line—which, of course, remains very important. It might also be worth mentioning that all the ponies we’re currently showing also come from the same dam line.”

What are the plans for Stougjeshoeve Estelle now that it has earned the "Keur" designation?

“Estelle has been bred again, this time by Cwrtycadno Glyndwr; we really want to continue using Estelle for breeding.”

Has Estelle's foal been sold?

“The foal has indeed been sold and is being shown; its new owners will also use it for breeding in the future.”

What does your breeding program consist of?

“We currently have 7 broodmares and 3 stallions of our own. We also have several young ponies and 2 colt foals that we plan to keep for a possible stallion inspection.”

Do you only have Section B ponies?

“No, we also have two Welsh Cobs; my girlfriend rides one of them, and last year we bought another foal. We’ll be showing this one at shows, too.”

Why do you think Estelle stood out so much at the central mare inspection?

“Estelle really stands out with her extra energy,” said a proud Geert Verbaas.

Source: NWPCS
Photos: Vivian Hesen and Nynke Leen