The Friesian Connection is a family business started in 1984 by Robert and Arlene De Boer when they imported three Friesian Star mares from the Netherlands. From there, it expanded into a well-established breeding program, training, selling, and importing horses from the Netherlands.

Robert and Arlene DeBoer are now retired.  The family business carries on primarily with their daughters Amy Kroll and Janice VerMerris.  They are the stallion managers and are trained in artificial collection and insemination. They attended Michigan State University’s Equine Artifical Insemenation and Breeding Management Short Course and completed their training with Karen Berk, an equine reproduction specialist.  More advance training from Jos Mottershead of Equine Reproduction added success in dealing with problems mares.  Freezing semen was added in 2015 after one-on-one training from Doeke Hoekstra of the Netherlands.  Dressage training is done by granddaughter Ellisa Kroll.  Other family members are active in daily care including daughter Sara Wassink and granddaughter Katie DeBoer.

Believing in the theory that the herd educates its members, you will find many of our horses grouped in small herds. Young horses learn respect from the older herd members. The human touch is added with the help of Bob and Arlene’s 8 children and many grandchildren all who live close to the family farm.