Californians Steal Spotlight
Black Sterling Friesians Wins Seven IFSHA Horse of the Year Awards

Black Sterling Friesians, based out of San Francisco, was one of a handful of California barns that made the long trek to St. Louis, MO for the 2007 IFSHA World and Grand National Championships, held at the National Equestrian Center, Oct. 4-7. Black Sterling Friesians took five Friesians to the show – they returned home with five Friesians and 10 National and World Championships.

Ron Goldman and Stormy Seas, better known as Ronald, defended their title in the Amateur Show Pleasure Driving National Championship; then followed his win by earning a reserve in the Friesian Pleasure Driving Turnout Single. Janna Goldman commanded her stallion, Ate Fan Bartlehiem, to victory in the Friesian English Show Hack Amateur National Championship and the World's Championship title the following day.

Julia Goldman won the Drive and Ride National Championship with her Friesian, Stormy Seas, defending her title from last year. Julia ended her time as a junior exhibitor by piloting Stormy Seas to a win in the Saddle Seat Pleasure Junior Exhibitor World Championship.
Fan favorite, Ravello, switched gears and was crowned the World Champion English Show Hack Horse with Barend Schuursma from Holland in the saddle and riding for Black Sterling Friesians.  Schuursma also cleaned up in the Dressage Show Hack qualifier and championship with the gelding, Caramba, in Second Level dressage. Jip, another BSF horse, fresh from competing in the Dutch Championships overseas was crowned National Champion in Intro Level Dressage.

Black Sterling ended the season by taking home seven IFSHA 2007 Horse of the Year Awards. Out of a field of 52 horses nationwide, 8 year old, Ate Fan Bartlehiem and Janna were the highpoint horse and rider comb in the Friesian Hunt Seat and Hack division for a second year in a row. Julia, now a student at Chico State, was crowned Junior All-Round Competitor Champion.

Riding Magazine Winner's Circle
Published February 2008