The SA Boerperd is a truly South African breed, according to the SA Boerperd Horse Breeders’ Society of South Africa, the governing authority for the breed in this country. It is a hard-working horse with a lineage that can be traced back to the mid-1600s, as it is a descendent of the first horses brought to the Cape Colony at that time.
The society strictly enforces the breed standard requirements for registering a horse, some of which include a stable temperament, as well as power and stamina to complete farm duties.
In terms of conformation, the horse must be symmetrical, balanced and alert, with a slightly curled mane and tail. It should have a well-formed neck and a slanting shoulder with pronounced withers, and the forehead must be broad and the eyes prominent.
When it comes to movement, the SA Boerperd must have medium-high to medium-low knee action, and should demonstrate long strides. The hind legs must move well underneath the body and take the weight of the forequarters, and the horse must be able to track. Stallions and mares should reach at least 14,2hh and 13,3hh respectively.
Frikkie Combrink has to keep all of this in mind when breeding these horses at Tokoza SA Boerperd Stud, which he runs on his farm in Delmas, Mpumalanga. While his main business is the production and export of roses under the name Tokoza Roses, his real passion is his horses.
Combrink produces exceptional Boerperde, as evidenced by his winning the 2020 SA Stud Book Stud Herd of the Year for Horses award.
Apart from breeding horses, Combrink also shows them. While he doesn’t compete personally anymore, his wife Ansie and their two young sons, Gustaf and Gunter, participate in riding and driving competitions. Combrink says that it is a great family sport and they enjoy taking part together.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 19, 2021 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 19, 2021 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
