Epke fan Withers Farm STER

2013 ‘Norbert’ 444. ‘Epke’ was one of the very few first of the ‘Norbert’ offspring to be born.

‘Norbert’ is a very modern luxurious stallion, his offspring from 2009 scored 84% of 1st and 2nd premies and several of his offspring become foal Champions.’Epke’s’ grandsire is the life achieving ‘Tsjerk’ 328 Sport and Preferent. This stallion has all Sport or Preferent ancestors behind him. ‘Epke’s’ grand dam on his father’s side is ‘Amalia – Annie’ who is model and preferent. In 1996 she became Champion of the Central Mare Show in Leeuwarden, in 1997 she was reserve Champion. 

‘Epke’s’ dam is ‘Omke’ who is a full papered ster mare bred by ‘Remmelt’ 323, Remmelt has light movements and has a very good character. He is the product of proven bloodlines with his sire ‘preferent’ ‘Oege’ who has produced over 70% of Ster mares. ‘Epke’s’ grandsire on his mothers side is also the very famous ‘Kee’. The bloodline from both sides make this a very interesting bloodline to breed from. ‘Kee is the mother of ‘Fabe’ who has outstanding achievements, and he was Reserve Champion Stallion of 2000.

‘Epke’ is extremely special to us, In the inspections 2009 ‘Epke’ was awarded England Champion Foal. He comes from a line with a very rich history, a bloodline that is already proven for breeding and sport. The November issue of our local Essex Rider magazine featured an article on Epke, the title was ‘Simply the Best’ it was great to have such a good review of one of our young stock. From the moment ‘Epke’ was born, he has been a dream, he has been very cheeky and is inquisitive to everything and everyone around him. This stallion has it all, he is a very modern, tall, handsome, majestic stallion and he knows it. He is the best of the best, with an extreme moving, very high stepping, long legged stallion. He loves to perform, he has a tremendous trot, the Dutch Judges awarded him an 8 for his trot, for racial, frame, develop and walk he scored 7’s for each. ‘Epke’ is of an exceptional quality, which we are very proud to have bred him at our Stud. Not only because he is British bred and comes from the World Friesians Stallion Reserve Champion 2010, World Champion 2012 and 2013 – Norbert 444 but he is also a 1st premie foal. Which only 5% of Friesian foals receive this status in the world.

Epke was entered into the World Friesian Stallion show in 2011, We entered 3 of our young stallions and they are the first British bred Friesian stallions to be entered in this show. Epke has returned to Holland in September 2012 to be trained in the carriage as a single and as pairs.  After his carriage training, we entered him into the World Friesian Show 2012.  Epke is Staying in Holland to proceed with his career in driving.

Epke has been in Friesland with his trainer Ronnie Dekker, they had 10 driving shows this season and we look forward to watching Ronnie and Epke going up through the ranks and most of all, it is an honor to have Epke competing in Friesland.   

In August 2013, Epke returned home, where he has gained his Ster status at the UK Friesian Grading.  Epke now comes from a Preferent mother ‘Omke’

We love having Epke back home with us and We have just started to bring Epke back into work, he will soon be ready for the Carriage.