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.
Denne historien er fra March 19, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra March 19, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
