The Friesian Friendship Barn
A Haven of Hope and Connection
1 hr 30 min
150 British pounds
Do you find the world is spinning a bit too fast for comfort? Are life's commitments pulling you in too many directions to catch your breath? Has tension become so familiar that you’re not even aware you’re in its grip? Maybe the circumstances of your life have drained your resilience, unbalanced you and caused you to feel unwell physically, mentally, or emotionally. All of us grapple with our individual version of being human. One way to reset and reconnect with our truest self is by spending 1:1 time with a gentle, unconditionally-loving Friesian horse in a space specially designed for this purpose. Experience their healing energy and find yourself moving back into the world rejuvenated and wearing a Friesian Smile. This video, along with Tracey’s Thoughts, will give you a feel for the healing haven that is our Friesian Friendship Barn….
Thoughts from Tracey….
When the Friendship Barn was designed, we wanted to create a space that would be meaningful and therapeutic for both humans and horses, and would allow each visitor not only one-on-one interaction with a Friesian but would invite spiritual connection and alchemy.
When you enter the Friendship Barn, you’ll step into a world of tranquility as your equine companion (chosen by you, or by us if you prefer) relaxes under the warm glow of our infrared solarium, enjoying our nourishing, homegrown haylage. You can alternately join them, getting to know them through mutual cuddles and a blissful grooming session, or opt for separate time on the other side of our beautifully handcrafted partition. Surrounded by soft lighting, you can curate the perfect ambience with your choice of soothing music or silence while relaxing on a plush sofa. To enhance your Experience, we provide complimentary refreshments. This is an opportunity for you and your Friesian Friend to forge an unbreakable bond that radiates pure magic benefitting you both.
Equine Companion Choices
Hoitze is a big baroque friesian who's been part of the family since he was 3yo. At 20yo now he lives a happy retirement here but don't be fooled by the grey eyebrows! This cheeky chappy is incredibly young at heart and he defines the term ‘loveable rouge’. Hoitze adores any form of loving and attention and lets you know if he's not getting enough of it! He is a great choice for those planning to have a 1-2-1 experience as he likes to feel he has you to himself and always picks up on how you are feeling and helps you switch off. If you would like a fun filled and ‘hands on’ friesian friendship hour (or two!) Hoitze is the horse for you.
Hoitze (pronounced Hoyt-zer)
Known as 'Hiddie hops' this incredibly lovable old boy who's been with us since he was 3yo and is now 20yo can sometime look like a grumpy old man. However, he is a very sweet gentle little guy who loves being loved, groomed and scratched. Sometimes he can be a little bit of a fidget if he's not getting attention, however he will stand for hours on end whilst being groomed or scratched at the base of his neck. Hidde would love to be your Friesian friend as it means he won't have to share you with any of the others!
Hidde (pronounced Hid-er)
Hannes has an upbeat, happy and ‘get up and go’ energy about him. He loves to be active and interact with people. This said, he also adores any kind of food and his food takes precedence above all else! He is well and truly worth his weight in gold; however like all of us he can get a little irritable from time to time and he occasionally doesn’t feel like being fussed so sometimes he requires respect for his personal space if he needs it. If you want a fun loving (sometimes a tiny bit grumpy!) little guy to share your time with; then Hannes is the horse for you!
Hannes (pronounced Han-ness)
Ever so sweet and ever so wise; all you will want to do is gaze into those loving eyes! Anja is calm and quiet - every inch a sophisticated lady of leisure. Annie does everything in her own time and she prefers to do everything her own way! As much as this alpha-female strives to be the centre of attention; she also appreciates her own space. If you would like a peaceful and sedate session, Annie would be delighted to join you.
Anja (pronounced Anya)
Dou is a sweet and slightly 'special’ soul - She is incredibly elegant in every aspect of her being with the softest, kindest eyes. If she was a tv character she would be a combination of Jessica Rabbit (90%) and Dopey, out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (10%). She is calm (ish) and quiet however she is also a slightly anxious horse; she just masks it well. All in all, once Doutzen is comfortable with your company she’ll make an ace friesian friend; she might just need you to hold her hand (hoof!) a little bit in the beginning!
Doutzen (pronounced Dowt-zen)
Cucumber cool exterior, however incredibly warm and gentle on the inside. Reske is pretty much perfect in every possible way; she is calm and patient, with perfect manners - however, aging like J-Lo (no matter her age she remains flawless!) she has become a teeny- tiny bit more assertive; she now lets her opinions be known but in a very mild manner! This mare is just ace and she will be more than happy to be left to her own devices (until she isn't and she will let you know) or you can get stuck in and give Ren a pamper - whatever you choose to do, Ren will suit you.
Renske (pronounced Ren-skin)
We call her Neeka sometimes even nutty neeka, neeky noo or noodles. She can be a stress head; but a very sweet stress head. We often say that if Neeka was a person, she would be autistic; she is incredibly talented and she thrives off familiarity and routine. However she can sometimes have a lack of awareness for her surroundings if feeling anxious; but once Neeka has done something a few times, is relaxed in your company and knows you just want to be her friend she is as gentle and professional as they come. Neeka will love the friendship barn as much as you; as it will be her calm, quiet ‘safe space’ where she will allow herself to relax with you.
Ineke (aka Neeke) (pronounced In-Nee-Ker or Nee-Ker)
She may be a giant, however she is a very kind horse by nature despite pulling some grumpy faces from time to time. She is also known as - Yodel, Yogi bear, Yo-Yo or just Yo; she is incredibly sweet and very willing to please/do the right thing. Yodel has a heart of gold and she is naturally rather bold (however she requires some reassurance from time to time and she would be an amazing Friesian friend; whatever you wish to do - Jolanda would love to be with you.
Jolanda (pronounced Yo-Landa)
This horse takes being unique to a whole new level - she is actually known as ‘special child’ due to her ‘special’ ways. To begin with, she loves licking everybody and everything and she likes to intensely smell things - we actually think she could be the world's first sniffer horse! If she was a tv character, she would be Villanelle out of killing Eve (slightly less psychopathic, obviously!) - If she dislikes something, if she is asked to do something she doesn't want to do or if she just doesn't get her own way in general; you will know and it might not be subtle. However, fear not as in the friendship barn, Sjoukje will adore you; as you will be her Eve and all she will want is your undivided attention and loving. In return she will give you lots of licks and love you lots.
Sjoukje (pronounced Sh-ow-kia)
This sensitive yet sweet soul loves people, attention and relaxing in a calm quiet space. She can be a little unsure at first - however once she gets to know you, she will be an incredibly loyal and loving friesian friend. If you would like to get stuck in, Maaike would love nothing more than to be a pampered pony - however, she would be just as happy to be a quiet companion. Regardless of how you would like to spend your time in the friendship barn; Maaike will enjoy your company just as much as you enjoy hers.
Maaike (pronounced My-Ker)
Little Mabel is a very sweet little mare who loves to be doted on! She is nicknamed Peppa Pig as she is rather round and she adores nothing more than rolling around in muddy puddles; sometimes it's like she is half horse and half hippo! Everything Mabel does is done in a slightly strange unconventional manner - which pretty much sums her up, as she is very unique. This said she is incredibly loyal and loving of people and once she is relaxed in your company and getting lots of attention she make a very fun friesian friend who loves nothing more than a hug around her neck and a neck scratch.
Mabel (pronounced Mabel)
JB or Jabbers as he’s often called is our fun sized miniature Shetland who thinks he’s just a miniature Friesian. He is a lot like a massive teddy bear; however, other than the fact he loves cuddles and loving, he is not to be treated like one. He may be absolutely adorable but he still deserves respect, as we all do. Mr JB is cheeky and sweet at the same time and the quieter you are around him and spend time at his level he will be the best friend you could ask for.
MR JB (Miniature Shetland)
Ysbrand, or Ice as we call him, is a super cool guy with an air of confidence. Behind this confident exterior is a calm and kind horse with a heart of gold who looks to those around him for guidance. He adores human contact and is not shy to reach out to you for attention in a very gentle manner so is well suited to those looking to have plenty of hands on interaction with their chosen friend.
Ysbrand
Oebe, who Freya affectionately calls "Weirdo," as he has a few quirks, is an absolute softie at heart. Now happily retired, he adores human interaction and will soak up as much attention as you're willing to give him, whether it's cuddles, scratches or a grooming session. If you're looking for a more 'hands-on' session, Oebe is the perfect companion. But if you'd rather just sit and enjoy his company, he's more than happy to simply be there with you, making him the perfect partner for a relaxing session.
Oebe
We allocate 1-1/2 hours for your initial session to acquaint you with the barn and its features. As a token of our appreciation, you will receive a 15% discount code for all future FFB bookings. While ideally suited for individuals, we also welcome small groups of up to three people. This can be particularly beneficial to those requiring assistance or families with small children.
As you consider this Experience for yourself, perhaps someone else also comes to mind who you feel might really benefit from a session. Do check out our new “Sponsor or Be Sponsored” Programme to make this unforgettable journey of connection, relaxation, and wonder possible for someone else.
We hope you find this a truly unique and beneficial Experience and are grateful for your support.
