Stallion Show 2003, Part 5:
The Quadrille Team
Before the final judging for the 2003 World Champion stallion, there was a break, allowing some of the Friesian people a chance to show off their traditional costumes and carriages (and their carriage horses!) in an elaborate performance called the Quadrille. A group of carriages did highly complex maneuvers .... pivots, circles, criss-crosses. Talk about a half-time show! Those of us who were unfamiliar with the costumes and maneuvers were taken aback by the beauty and complexity. The Friesian crowd was thrilled to see their culture and history displayed so well. It was just great...
Mark and Hessel (remember, we stayed at their house on this trip), with owners Walter and Gryt

We got a great treat the night before the big show. Augie is the Friesian gentleman who has come to our farm the last two summers. He and his family are now good friends of ours. Well, Augie's Dad, who is one of the quadrille drivers, let us ride along with him during the practice run. That was an experience to remember! Sorry these pictures are so poor, but it was sorta dark in there... We have also put in a couple of photos of Augie's mom in her traditional dress. Note the sewing pack the women have attached to their belts. Pretty neat!
Dee is happy but hanging on tightly! Carlton is hanging on too! Traditional woman's dress. Note the sewing pack on the belt Close-up of that sewing kit (the larger bag on the belt holds thread, we think)
On with the show! With still photos, it is difficult to appreciate the intricate maneuvers these drivers manage with their carriages, but hopefully these shots will be of some interest. Note that the carriage is a traditional Friesian two-wheeled cart. It is pronounced "chaise"... not sure of the actual spelling. Anyway, these are handmade and painted and fairly expensive. They are cherished by their owners. The seat is suspended by leather straps, so it gently rocks when the cart is in motion. NOTE: no captions to these particular pictures....

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