19 April 2020

An Introduction to the Hoefnet team – Frans: ‘Translating and writing about my favourite hobby is wonderful’’

Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of Hoefnet. With more than 133,000 unique visitors per month, it has become one of the most popular combined-driving websites in the world. But who are the people behind Hoefnet? We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our staff, and this time it is our German translator Frans.

‘Translating and writing about my favourite hobby is wonderful’

For the last ten years I have been responsible for the translations on the German version of Hoefnet, as well as translating any German articles to Dutch. If I am attending an international championship, or indoor World Cup competition I also look after reporting and writing the German articles. Translating and writing on subjects related to my favourite hobby “driving”, is just wonderful.’

 

Photo: Esther Klok

Born in Twente

I was born and grew up in a region of the Netherlands called Twente, but have made Germany my home for the last forty years. It was here just before the turn of the century that I began driving. In the beginning I took part in small competitions as well as organizing annual outdoor and indoor competitions at our club in Krefeld and later in Straelen. In 2008 I made the step up to the international sport with a single horse, and it was here that I came into contact with Dutch colleagues and trainers, as well as being introduced to Cindy and Hoefnet. As Hoefnet was beginning to pull in more and more German readers, Cindy approached me to ask if I would be interested in helping with the German version of the site. It is something that I get a lot of pleasure out of doing and it is beautiful to see how our sport unites countries together.’

 

Photo: Krisztina Horváth

Professional interpreter and translator

‘After working for a number of years in the education system, I started out for myself in the mid-eighties as a professional translator and interpreter for justice, corporate and international organizations. Over the years driving has taken a more prominent place in my day to day life. In addition to competing, I also take in horses and ponies for training as well as teaching beginners and preparing them for their carriage driving license.’

Read more on Frans on his Facebook page