It is a common misconception that a South African Boerperd is any horse owned by a farmer.
This is far from the truth, says Petro Grové, a member of the SA Boerperd Breed Society. “There is a huge difference – the SA Boerperd is an indigenous breed that has been under development since 1652 – so there is really a lot of history there.”
She explains that the breed is registered through SA Stud Book and is subject to very strict criteria and standards.
“Its records are kept at SA Stud Book and the pedigree register enables us to send a five-generation pedigree (family tree).
“Every foal that is born is recorded at SA Stud Book, hair samples are taken and sent for DNA testing. Then we can verify that the mother and father of the foal have also been registered.”
That still is not enough to guarantee that the foal can eventually be registered and branded as an approved SA Boerperd. “The horse is then put through a grading process once it is two and a half years old. We have trained selectors who will ensure it complies with the breed standard and only if the horse is found to be good enough, will they be registered and branded as a true SA Boerperd.”
She says one of the best character traits about the breed is the amazing temperament of the SA Boerperd. “It is truly a horse for the entire family,” she says, adding that it also excels at numerous disciplines, ranging from showjumping and dressage, to showing, endurance, eventing and more.
Grové says another distinguishing characteristic is the hardy nature of the breed. “Through history, from the time of Jan van Riebeeck, through various wars, only the best and strongest horses survived.” She adds tests have found them to be less susceptible to diseases such as African Horse Sickness and an SA Boerperd can also survive on veld grass alone, although this is not ideal.
According to Grové breeders are strictly controlled and must subscribe to strict breeding criteria. She also describes the SA Boerperd as the fastest growing breed, in terms of popularity, in South Africa.
“At the Sanesa (schools league) last year, 25% of the top achievers were SA Boerperde,” she says.
But at the end of the day – although many farmers may own an SA Boerperd, not every horse owned by a farmer is an SA Boerperd.
“Look for the brand mark,” says Grové. – Sabrina Dean
sabrina@centralmediagroup.co.za