KWPN Board Member Minne Hovenga Passed Away

Breeding

KWPN

The renowned KWPN breeder and KWPN board member Minne Hovenga passed away on 30 April 2020. He was 63 years old.

KWPN at Heart

The Friesland based breeder was known and respected for his excellent breeding programme as well as his kindness and diplomacy as several managerial functions.

Between 1995 and 2005 he was chair the union of KWPN Stallion Owners. He was part of the board of KWPN Friesland before becoming a member of the KWPN Board in 2018.

Breeding Programme

Hovenga began his breeding programme in 1976 based on Paul Wendeln's Oldenburg Condria mare line.

He mainly bred successfu show jumping horses, but his mare Ibalia W (by Nimmerdor) he bred the KWPN licensed dressage stallion Wonderboy (by Ramon).

Seldsum Stables

Until 2016 he was a board member and publisher at Eisma, a publishing company that prints equestrian magazines De Paardenkrant, Bit and Dressuur.

Hovenga also managed the breeding and rearing stable "Seldsum Stables" in Jelsum, The Netherlands, together with his partner Esther de Melker, a veterinarian specialized in ET reproduction.

In October 2019 Minne was diagnosed with a brain tumour and went through a heavy treatment program. That same month he married Esther, with whom he has three children: Arwin Fritz, Anne-Hilde, and Minne-Jan.

Hovenga also had two children from a previous marriage, Jort Gabe and Marrit. The later gave him his first grand child.

Although Minne bravely fought cancer, he lost his battle and died quietly in the presence of his wife and children on Thursday evening 30 April 2020.