As you may know, we have recently welcomed several new members to our judging panel: Arie van Heeswijk, Bauke de Boer, Luciel van der Kooi, and Ilona Tuyn.
Arie van Heeswijk already joined us last year as a trainee judge and has now been officially appointed as a judge. We are confident that his expertise and experience will make a valuable contribution. Below, he introduces himself:
‘Some of you may already have seen me several times at a Barock Pinto inspection or IBOP event. In 2025, Gerrit Stelwagen (whom I know from other studbooks where I serve as a judge) invited me to come and take a look. Fortunately, I can say that I feel very much at home at the BPS: a pleasant atmosphere, beautiful horses, and plenty of challenges.
In 2005, I successfully completed the Breeding Judge training program organized by the Federation. Since then, I have served as a judge for several breeds, including Haflingers. My roots are with the Haflinger, the Austrian/Italian mountain horse. We still have four Haflingers at home, and our goal is to breed modern horses with both type and movement—something that also appeals to me in Barock Pinto horses. I have not judged Haflingers for several years now, as I was encountering too many offspring of horses we had bred ourselves!
In addition to the Barock Pinto Studbook, I also judge for the NMPRS and the Appaloosa Studbook. Furthermore, I am chairman of the new Fjord Horse Studbook in the Netherlands, the V.F.G.F. (www.stamboekvfgf.nl). This steadily growing studbook received official recognition from the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) in 2024 and now has around 120 members.
Two years ago, I took early retirement, which gives me plenty of time to devote to these activities and, together with my wife Karin, enjoy our children and grandson.
I am pleased to contribute to this studbook while also enjoying the experience myself. I look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming inspections!’
Partners Bauke de Boer and Luciel van der Kooi have also joined the judging team and will be judging and gaining experience with Barock Pintos this year. They both have an impressive track record and a wealth of expertise, which we as a studbook greatly appreciate. Read their story below the photo showing Bauke de Boer on the left and Luciel van der Kooi on the right with their provisional KFPS Crown mare, Dautsen fan Bokkum (by Eise 489).
‘My name is Bauke de Boer, and I am a former dairy farmer from Nes. I was practically born and raised among horses. From 1981 to 2017, I served as a judge for the KFPS, including 10 years as an inspector. I also had the privilege of evaluating the Central Examination of young stallions for nine years.
I am currently a member of the stallion selection committee for harness horses at the KWPN. In daily life, together with my partner Luciel van der Kooi, I run a versatile horse business. We breed Friesian horses, harness horses, and dressage horses. I also enjoy competing with our Friesian horses in harness driving sport.’
‘My name is Luciel van der Kooi, and together with Bauke I live in Nes. We operate a horse business called “Stal fan Bokkum,” where we are actively involved every day in breeding, raising, and training our horses. I previously served as a judge for the KFPS and completed the KNHS instructor training program. In the past, I competed extensively in dressage, but nowadays I am mainly active in harness driving with Friesian horses.
Bauke and I would like to use our knowledge, experience, and passion for the horse world to make a positive contribution to the BPS and further apply our expertise within the studbook. We hope to be of value to the judging team.’
(…And who knows, perhaps one day they will breed a Barock Pinto themselves, editor’s note.)
Last but certainly not least, Ilona Tuyn. She has many years of experience in evaluating dressage and IBOP tests. With her expertise, she can make a significant contribution in the areas of talent assessment and sport. Below her photo, she introduces herself:
‘My name is Ilona Tuyn, I am 55 years old, and I live in Anna Paulowna, North Holland.
I caught the horse bug at the age of 10 and have been active in dressage ever since. At one point, I became Dutch Champion in the M2 class. In addition, I have trained many horses to Z level and competed with two horses at Small Tour level.
Until four years ago, I was also a breeder of dressage horses within the KWPN. I am a judge up to and including ZZ-Licht dressage level and work as a dressage instructor for both ridden and driven horses.
I also serve as secretary and treasurer for the KWPN region of North Holland and am therefore closely involved with inspections. Recently, I also became secretary of our riding club in Barsingerhorn.
I hope that my experience will be a valuable addition to the BPS, and I am very much looking forward to it.’
