South African Boerperd
Origin of the breed
The South African Boerperd originated from the Cape horse that was developed from crossing 17th and 18th century Arab, Barb, Andalusian and Isabella horses that were introduced to the Cape colony. This hardy horse played a major role both in the Great Trek and the Anglo Boer War. Extreme stamina, an even temperament and tolerance of diseases were of critical importance in their selection.
After the war, the general appearance of the breed was recorded and a register was established (1905 - 1921). A Boerperd Society was established in 1973 and the Historical Boerperd Society was formed in 1977 with the aim of keeping the breed as pure as possible and of maintaining historical bloodlines that could be traced back to the initial characterization of the breed. These included the “Eggo” or “Cloete” horses in the Eastern Cape Province, the “Van Niekerk”-line from the Eastern Transvaal (1879), the “Odendaal”-line from the Free State highlands, the “Hancke”-line and the “Steenkamp”-line from the Mpumalanga highveld.
The Namib horse, an adapted desert line that developed through natural
selection in the Namib Desert, was included in the breed as a separate line in 1995.
The Historical Boerperd name was changed to SA Boerperd in 1998 - recognition of the breed as a unique South African landrace. The breed currently consists of 130 breeders with more than 2500 registered horses.
General description
A hardy medium-framed sporting and working horse with an even temperament. It is a comfortable riding horse capable of a three to five gait. It is suitable for all classes of riders and performs equally well on the sports field, the show arena and in endurance rides.
Qualities
- Good utility horse - herding and driving of livestock, draft and patrolling
- Even temperament - excellent for children and adults alike
- Hardiness and stamina
- Versatility in the sports and showing arena - from dressage and carriage competitions to jumping and endurance rides.
Normal production environment
Eastern Cape sourveld to Highveld sourveld.
Breed and performance information
| Averages | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Average height | 14,2 - 16 hands | 14 - 15,3 hands |
| Birth weight | 30 months | 30 months |
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