As part of my "Quick Calls With..." series, I spoke with Erik van Lente this week. Erik van Lente’s Section B breeding program is known as Springstar.
How did you ever get into welsh ponies?
I knew Jan Flier from the driving club here in the village, and he needed some help with the progeny testing for Caspershof Freddy. After that, I got more involved myself; I used to have a few cows, but I stopped that and started looking for some nice mares. This was in 2002; I first bought a pregnant mare named Linde Hoeve’s Alexandra. In the spring, I bought Gelpenberg’s Sarina. Both mares were awarded “Ster” status at the 2003 inspection, but unfortunately, Alexandra lost her foal. That set back our start in breeding a bit. Then I bought Zuudwiek’s Kimmy from Alfred Askes; she has since become the queen of the stable with all her excellent offspring. I built up my breeding program using various bloodlines from the best breeding operations in the Netherlands at the time. I had thoroughly researched the field, which led me to work with many different proven breeders.
You only have Section B ponies—why did you choose that?
The Section B ponies appealed to me the most. They’re just a bit larger than the Section A ponies, yet they still have that same toughness and sturdiness. They have presence and a beautiful head.
What are you most proud of within your breeding?
I’m a bit reserved myself, but of course I do enjoy the successes as well. I think the line I’ve developed on my own is what I’m most proud of—it resulted in the approval of Springstar’s Kimro, and on top of that, winning section champion and day champion at the stallion inspection made it a truly special year!
How many ponies do you have for your breeding program?
Right now, I have three pregnant mares, plus four young mares ranging in age from foals to three years old. And then there are a total of four stallions: one foal, two yearlings, and one adult stallion.
What do you think is most important about a good welsh pony?
They must have a lot of breed character, a beautiful appearance with a lovely head and a long neck. Well-built with legs that are proportionate to the pony. I like a robust B that has developed well into a broodmare or sire, with plenty of width and depth and a good, spacious, and correct gait.
What else would you like to see in the future?
We want to make sure everything stays safe and healthy; of course, we’re also trying to keep up with the times and remain focused on quality.
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