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.
It was thanks to Henk Roel Krol that I first came into contact with the Welsh pony, and I think there are many others like me who bought their first pony from Henk Roel. But who exactly is Henk Roel? That’s why I called him today for “A Quick Call with….”.
How else might we know you, other than as a presenter?
Mainly from showing at Welsh horse shows, but also from trading and, of course, stud farming. In addition, I run a small-scale breeding operation.
You mainly have Section A ponies—is that by design?
I've also recently acquired two Section D ponies.
Section A ponies have the most beautiful heads, and their movement and temperament appeal to me the most. That’s why Section A ponies do so well in competition.
How did you end up with a Welsh pony?
I used to drive C-class ponies, but at a certain point, more and more A-class ponies started appearing in the sport. That’s when I bought a team of Welsh A-class ponies—a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old. After that, a few filly foals also crossed my path. These were offspring of Ysselvliedts Sven. We were then asked to visit Jouke Dijkstra after Sven’s progeny inspection. That was 15 years ago now, but that’s how we got involved in the Welsh pony inspections.
What are you most proud of in your breeding program and stallion operation?
I’m most proud of Rotan’s Camelot’s approval. Camelot is from the very first mare I bought, and I still have her here. And Potteries Simon’s reserve title at the Royal Welsh is, of course, incredibly cool!
What do you think is the most important quality in a good Welsh pony?
Ample movement with good hindquarters—they need to be able to move from the hindquarters; if they don’t, it’s worthless to me. And their ears shouldn’t be too small, or the bridle will slip right over them.
I also always use stallions that I think should be able to produce sport ponies.
Are there any other changes you'd like to see made to the stud book?
At the stallion inspection, I’d like to see the stallions moving freely in a pen. That way, you can observe an animal’s natural movement without any aids. When on the lunge line, the stallions are still being assisted.
Which stallions do you have lined up for next year?
That depends on the stallion inspection, of course, but Ysselvliedts Irresistible and Rotan’s Camelot will definitely be there in 2020!
Photos: Danielle Hooiveld
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