Boerperd breeder, Dirk Odendaal, has spent over 40 years trying to recreate a true-to-type Pietperd, a legendary but now-extinct horse breed. Mike Burgess spoke to Dirk on his farm near Barkly East about his relentless quest.
In the 1870s, two stallions named Piet and David were transported from the Netherlands to the Cape, where they sired exceptional offspring that became known as Pietperde. They were named in honour of Piet, a grey-dappled stallion and the more influential of the two. Two decades later, Pietperde became sought-after across Southern Africa, only to be decimated during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899 to 1902).
“Piet is the only South African horse that has a specific bloodline named after it; he had exceptional prepotency,’’ says Eastern Cape Boerperd breeder, Dirk Odendaal (62).
The historic Pietperd was an intelligent, five-gaited horse with outstanding constitution, temperament, conformation and endurance, as well as a renowned natural ability to trippel.
Sadly, it no longer exists as a distinct breed, but Dirk believes that it is still possible to recreate this horse-type that was once renowned as a functional dualpurpose riding and carriage horse.
“Not everything is lost,” he says. “There are still horses with Pietperd genetics and characteristics that one can use to recreate the type. I’ve been selecting for the Pietperd since the 1970s.
“Everything I have is due to horses and everything I don’t have is also due to horses. This ‘horse sickness’ is in my blood!’’
Dirk’s equine infatuation is indeed hereditary. His grandfather, Dirk, a blacksmith and farrier based in Hobhouse in the Free State, was known for his knack of rehabilitating temperamental horses. Dirk’s father, also named Dirk, travelled throughout the Free State constructing roads. While doing so, he always kept a handful of horses on the local commonage. It was here, on the outskirts of various Free State towns, that young Dirk spent many afternoons nurturing his lifelong passion for horses, and in particular the Pietperd.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin 17 March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin 17 March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
