Their exceptional mare, Janne fan Panhuys, has risen to the absolute pinnacle of the breed by sweeping the board as the Mare Champion, IBOP Champion and overall Breeding Day Champion (fokdagkampioen) while earning the ultra-rare Model Sport AAA status at the Royal Friesian Horse Society (KFPS) inspection in England organised by the United Kingdom Friesian Horse Studbook.
At seven years old, Janne fan Panhuys (Tsjalle 454 x Jasper 366, bred by the Wijma family in Jislum) has cemented her place among the global elite.
The “Model” predicate is the highest linear designation a KFPS Friesian mare can attain worldwide, reserved exclusively for individuals who represent the absolute ideal in conformation, movement, and breed characteristics.
Janne’s path to the top has been a whirlwind of international success. She initially caught the eyes of the Dutch judges on home soil in Northern Ireland, where she was awarded the “provisional Crown” title.
To unlock her full performance potential, the Lynds sent Janne to the Netherlands for specialized sport aptitude training under Age Okema and the renowned team at Stal de Mersken.
In August, Janne officially secured her full Crown title in Wergea, Netherlands, scoring 80.5 points in her driven IBOP test. However, her crowning glory came on Saturday, 19 September 2026, at the major UK Keuring in England.
Under the critical eyes of the official KFPS jury members, Jolanda Slootjes and Ester Reen, Janne elevated her sport performance score to a spectacular 83.5 points in her driving test, upgrading her predicate to the ultimate AAA status.
Her stellar performance earned her the distinction of IBOP Champion, and she was subsequently crowned Mare Champion and the ultimate Breeding Day Champion of the entire event.
The jury praised her immense power from the hindquarters, exceptional posture, and superb balance in the trot, making it a flawless, clean sweep for the Swatragh-owned mare.
“We are absolutely over the moon and profoundly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible,” said John and Diana Lynd.
“To own a Friesian of this caliber here in Swatragh is a lifelong dream come true. Janne has shown a spectacular work ethic and a golden character throughout this entire journey.
“This milestone is a monumental moment not just for Ardbrae Friesian Horses, but for the entire Irish and UK Friesian breeding community.”
Janne fan Panhuys will now return home to Ardbrae Friesian Horses in Swatragh, County Londonderry, where she will continue to anchor the Lynds’ premier breeding programme, passing on her championship-winning genetics to the next generation of Royal Friesian horses.
1. At seven years old, Janne fan Panhuys (Tsjalle 454 x Jasper 366, bred by the Wijma family in Jislum) has cemented her place among the global elite.
At seven years old, Janne fan Panhuys (Tsjalle 454 x Jasper 366, bred by the Wijma family in Jislum) has cemented her place among the global elite. Photo: ejlazenby.com
2. Janne fan Panhuys, has risen to the absolute pinnacle of the breed
Janne fan Panhuys, has risen to the absolute pinnacle of the breed Photo: ejlazenby.com
3. The jury praised her immense power from the hindquarters, exceptional posture, and superb balance in the trot
The jury praised her immense power from the hindquarters, exceptional posture, and superb balance in the trot Photo: ejlazenby.com
4. Her stellar performance earned her the distinction of IBOP Champion, and she was subsequently crowned Mare Champion and the ultimate Breeding Day Champion of the entire event.
Her stellar performance earned her the distinction of IBOP Champion, and she was subsequently crowned Mare Champion and the ultimate Breeding Day Champion of the entire event. Photo: ejlazenby.com