Carriage Drivers’ Meeting

Our coachmen meet twice a year: before the start of the Folklore festival and at the end of the season.

Today, it was time to look back together on a wonderful West Frisian Folklore Season 2026!

Michel Bakker, head of the team, opened the meeting and also extended a warm welcome to a few new faces.

There was a pleasant chat afterwards, with people sharing their experiences and looking forward to the future.

With no fewer than 18 to 22 horse-drawn carriages a week, there was plenty to admire once again!

From the new horses and drivers to the long-standing partnerships, the enthusiastic grooms and the many spectators lining the route: there was plenty to be proud of!

The participation of young people from the ‘Geluk en Paard’ day centre was also a wonderful and meaningful moment.

Of course, there were also a few areas for improvement and some great ideas for next year.

And what about ring-jumping?

That, too, remains a wonderful part of Folklore!

All the coachmen look back on the season with a very positive feeling.

We are proud of our horses, our drivers and everyone who makes this possible together!

There was also a special farewell for Max Hopmans, who bid farewell to the coachmen as he stepped down from the board.

Naturally, that was rewarded with a well-deserved round of applause!

We rounded off the meeting on a pleasant note with a drink.

Now let’s savour the memories and look forward to a new season full of horses, carriages, good company and West Frisian tradition!

Thank you all for a wonderful season – here’s to the Westfriese Folklore 2027!