"De Schoone Weide" Stud farm

On 1 January 1998, Obbe van der Weide and Margriet Schoonderbeek started a stud farm just outside Nijega, a small village near Drachten.

Obbe, born in 1957, was raised on a stud farm so continuing in the business was only logical. Margriet, born in 1966, has been passionate about horses since she was four years old and has spent a lot of time at equestrian events. Obbe and Margriet met for the first time during a visit to the former Manege van Drachten, where Djurre stood at stud his first year. Business arrangements were quickly made, for when the Model mare Kinge (sire: Wessel), ridden by Margriet, won best riding horse at the Central Keuring in Leeuwarden on 14 September 1985, Obbe and Margriet decided they had to continue together: They knew for certain they wanted to work with horses!

In October 1987, Obbe and Margriet purchased a farm in Nijgea. On 14 September 1988, they solidified their commitment further by getting married. The business evolved into a stud farm in 1988 with subsequent expansion and development. They started with six stalls and three breeding stallions covering 220 mares in 1988.

Today their stud farm includes approximately 34 stalls, and between 450-500 mares are covered each year.

Obbe and Margriet closely observe all new equine-related developments. One of the first was to offer an artificial insemination course, soon followed by construction of a laboratory. The business has been certified as an SWS station (Sperm Win Station) for 10 years now. The first new barn was constructed in 1990 after damage by several storms and a huge fire. It is a stallion barn built according to the latest standards, including a modern laboratory. Next, an outdoor arena was added and parking areas expanded, followed by a hot walker in 1995.         

The growth continued and so did their plans! Obbe and Margriet soon decided to significantly expand the entire facility. In 2000, construction commenced on De Schoone Weide, a complete horse facility with an indoor arena, among other amenities. The project also included 14 spacious and very attractive stalls with green stall doors and overhead lighting designed by Jan des Bouvrie. In addition, a tack room, lavatories, wash rack, a flat, and a cosy foyer were added. The business was significantly expanded as a result of the construction.

Presently, De Schoone Weide is the venue for courses by the Royal Friesian Horse Studbook, Horse Management, PTC+ (Practical Training Centre), and the Van Hall Institute. In addition, two driving organisations are located at the facility as well as a riding organisation. Furthermore, the Ta it Bihald breeding organisation regularly organises evaluation evenings, among other events.