A quick call to ... Anne Brinkman

Each week, Dieke Slingerland tries to take a few moments to call a Welsh breeder, user and/or enthusiast for the ‘Just a call with ...’ with whom she calls depends on what is current at the time.

For a quick call with... I posted a call on Facebook this week! Because how hard it is sometimes, who exactly do you want to read an interview with. That's why we do it, of course! Fortunately, I received a very nice message from Anne Brinkman. Anne Brinkman is the granddaughter of Henk Hammers senior. Last year, Hammers' Section B breeding group won 2nd prize at the CMK.

How did you get into the Welsh world?

My grandfather was section B breeder, of course we went with him to the inspections and always came to his home. Grandpa and Grandma live next door to us therefore I was always involved in breeding.

Now that your grandfather has passed away do you want to take over?

Yes that's right, after my grandfather passed away last year I make the stallion choices and the preparations towards the judging I take over. The ponies are still at my grandmother's house and still in their name.

What are you basing the stallion choice on?

We look at what is at the stallion show every year. We look at the champion, but certainly also at the bloodlines. The bloodlines have to be free of our own breeding and that is still sometimes difficult.
My grandfather never traveled that far who always picked out some stallions in the area, but I am quite willing to drive a bit with the trailer.

Where did you guys cover at this year?

For example, this year we went with Astrid to see Warmtebron's Hielke. Here we looked at the offspring and Hielke is of course a proven stallion. This year Astrid also had a foal by Hielke at foot and this one seems very good. Only we hope for a little less white next year ? Dai H. is in foal to the champion stallion Woldbergs Rossini.

What attracted you to the welshs?

They have a super character, they always want to work for you and are very easy to handle. I am too tall to ride them, but maybe in the future I will drive them. But that will be after my studies. The offspring of our ponies we see all back in the sport as good children's ponies that is also very important.

How many ponies do you currently have?

We now have 5 ponies my grandmother has the ponies at the house therefore there are not that many running. I hope I can take over the breeding soon after my studies. If that works out I am sure there will be more.

You are still quite young in my opinion?

Yes I am 20 years old and still studying! But a future in welsh is something I can see! The last few years I have seen changes in the judging track. There are less and less young people breeding which is a real pity! Therefore I would like to continue the breeding of my grandfather.