Breed: South Africa’s own

BREED

South Africa’s own

Influenced by many breeds, the Boerperd has been closely linked to South Africa’s history for 400 years, writes MATHILDE GREGOIRE.

The Boerperd is a breed unique to South Africa. A competent and versatile sport horse, they are also a trustworthy partner on trails and safaris, and bring with them an interesting history, including the origins of their name. Derived from the Afrikaans word for ‘farmer’, ‘Boer’ was the title given to the Dutch, German and French Huguenot who settled in South Africa from the 1600s. ‘Perd’, also Afrikaans, means ‘horse’. Thus, horses the settlers used on their farms were known as Boerperds, which translates to ‘farmer’s horse’.

The Boerperd’s bloodlines can be traced back to the middle of the 17th century, when Dutch settlers brought Barb Arabian crosses to the Cape of Good Hope. Shortly after, Persian Arabians were introduced, adding new genes to the pool and thereby preventing inbreeding. A few Andalusian and Isabella horses were later included in the mix and for the next 150 years, these crosses were foundational to the Boerperd, sometimes known as the Cape Horse.

Even in the early days, these horses were recognised for their stamina, endurance, and temperament. Then in the 1700s, Thoroughbred stallions were imported and crossed with the Boerperds, adding increased height to their confirmation. Breeding had by this time proved to be a successful industry, and many Boerperds were exported as war horses, especially to the British Army in India during the mid to late-1700s. As well as native South African breeds, such as the Basuto and Namaqua Pony (now extinct), the Boerperd influenced several other breeds, including the Australian Waler. In the 19th century, Flemish Stallions, Hackneys, Cleveland Bays and others were introduced, shaping the Boerperd into the horse we know today.

During the Boer Wars from 1880 to 1902, many Boerperds were killed either in battle or shot on farms by the British in an effort to deny the Boers the advantage given to them by their sturdy horses. In 1905, a formal movement to conserve the Boerperds dwindling numbers began with an Auxiliary

ABOVE: The Boerperd is renowned for their stamina, endurance and temperament (Image by J C Brand)

Register in the Breeders Association of Transvaal Stud Book. Interest in the register was minimal and it became redundant between 1918 and 1921. In its place, a National Riding Horse Breeders Association was established, later becoming the Boerperd Breeders Association of South Africa.

In 1973 the Boerperd Society of South Africa was formed, complete with a constitution and breed standards. Horses genotypically and phenotypically suitable for breeding were identified, and a strict selection policy adopted. In 1977, the society’s name changed to the Historic Boerperd Breeders Society, and in 1980 the breed was officially recognised by the Department of Agriculture, achieving recognition from the Registrar of Livestock Improvement as an indigenous breed in 1996, and two years later, receiving the formal title South African Boerperd.

Robust and well-built, the Boerperd thrives in the South African climate, with its hot, dry summers and cold winters. The horses are renowned for their calm temperament and willingness to serve their rider, making them wonderful under saddle. Traditionally, Boerperds stand around 13.3hh for mares and 14hh for stallions. They have a straight or slightly concave profile, with a broad forehead and prominent eye sockets. The withers are pronounced, the legs are strong, and the hind quarters well-muscled. The most common coat colours are black, bay, and gray, but other colours including palomino, dun, and buckskin are also accepted in the registry.

In order to be accepted into the Boerperd studbook, each horse must conform to strict criteria and undergo DNA verification before being approved for registration. A breed peculiarity is that many Boerperd’s are capable of a fifth gait, a four beat running walk known as the rack or amble. Similar to Standarbreds and Icelandic Horses, the DMRT3 gene is believed to determine their ability to pace. The Boerperd excels in a wide variety of disciplines, including showing (three and five gaited), dressage, show jumping, eventing, endurance, equine archery, western and driving. Referred to as the ideal sporting and pleasure horse by the Boerperd Society, the breed has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in its homeland. Regional breed championships are held throughout the year, culminating in an annual national championship.

Today the Boerperd contributes to South Africa’s economy, particularly in the tourism industries. Their calm and responsive temperament makes them popular for safaris and trails through national parks, where wildlife encounters often occur. A forward going lead horse, the Boerperd is eager and loves to jump. Many game reserves use Boerperds and Boerperd crosses for their riding safaris because of their suitability for riders of varying abilities.

Whether for showing, tourism, pleasure, or competition, the versatile Southern African Boerperd has many desirable traits, with something to offer equestrians of every discipline.

ABOVE: The breed excels in many disciplines including eventing (Image courtesy Stamboek Studbook).

Boerperd are a popular choice for safaris and trails around national parks (Image by Rebecca Turk).