Update March 2011:

Guess what?  Naen made it to his first show in Burbank at the LA Equestrian
Center on Feb. 27.. He scored a 68.9 in his very first class:  Training
Level, test 2!  Then he "ran out of Friesian quarters" as his trainer says..
and scored a 60.8 in Test 3.. We are learning his limits and strengths. I'm
so proud of him.. He looks like a million bucks and is growing and maturing
into a very cool horse.  His barn is in Chino Hills and we go on these
awesome trail rides...   His new trainer, Tiffany Kell Brinton is
training/showing/ him for now because he is in LA.. I only get to ride about
every other weekend, so not fit at all.. We are going to Hansen Dam show
this coming up sunday, weather permitting..
 

"Dear Sue:  Here we are playing dress up in Virginia in June.  Naen R is
developing beautifully and is such a good boy.  Wow is he ever more
gorgeous every time I see him!"   - June, 2009
 

Dear Sue:

Well, you can see by the pictures of me meeting Naen that I was totally mesmerized by his beauty.  My heart was pounding and I sort of feared him at first.  Then I realized this was a Friesian, not like other hot blooded breeds I have had.  He put his head in my hand and I was smitten for life!  He is gorgeous, has a great personality and definitely continues to develop that quality of presence you spoke of way back when he was for sale.  I just wanted to cry thinking of all the travels he went through to get here from Amsterdam.  But he is such a sweet trooper and so adaptable.

So now he begins his journey down the road to his keuring.  I am so excited to maybe even be able to show him myself later in the year - another dream of mine you've helped come true.

No matter what happens, I look forward to the day I can hug him every day when he comes to his home - now named for him - Black Gold Ranch in California.  Thanks again for all you have done for me.  You have no idea the joy I have just being involved with this incredible creature.

Lori
 

UPDATE  SEPT 2008
Dear Sue:  Naen went to his first judged show at the North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association on Labor Day.  As you can see, he did well!  He got Champion Stallion and Reserve Mature Horse (he competed against two Dutch Warmbloods!)

Soon, he will be going into dressage training with Ron Steur.  I am so excited for the keuring in Leesburg on Sept. 26.  Whatever happens, I just want you to know he is really the light of my life!

UPDATE JULY 2008
Dear Sue:

Naen went to his first show with Bruce in June and impressed the judge immensely.  He was there for schooling only and looked really great in western attire... Boy, I am really impressed with his action. (See his pics at www.branamsphotography.com Chatham Hill Show, #83).

Also, he is learning driving now and doing really well.  He has really filled out and put on weight and muscle and looks gorgeous. 

I love him!  Can't wait to see him at his first 'official' show, Sept. 1 at the NC fairgrounds!  I feel like a nervous mother.... This time he will go in English and 'in-hand' classes to get ready for the keuring...  I will finally get to ride him there! 
Best to you,
Lori
 

Click the following link to view his free lunge video

It was love at first sight when Lori met Naen in Virginia!

He instantly bonded with her!