BoerperdSouth African Boer Horse |
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BoerperdSouth African Boer Horse |
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The Boerperd, or Boer Pony, originated in South Africa. No horses are indigenous to this part of the African continent, the forebears to the Boerperd having been imported during the 17th century. This pony shares is ancestry with the Basuto Pony, both deriving from the Cape Horses which were developed from the imported stock. The Boer pony was developed during the 19th century with influences from imported Flemish, Hackeny, and Cleveland stock, as well as other breeds. The Cape Horse disappeared around 1900, but the Boer lives on as its legacy.
Taking great care to raise and breed their horses, the Boers produced a slightly larger, better-developed animal than the Basutos did. Additionally, this pony did not have to survive under such harsh environmental conditions as the its relative, the Basuto. The Boerperd stands an average of 13.3 to 15.3 hands (55-63 inches or 140-160 cm) high. It may be black, bay, brown, chestnut, grey, roan, dun or palomino. The Boerperd is a calm, tough pony, and often has the ability of performing five different gaits. As well as the standard walk, trot, anc canter, the Boerperd may also perform a slow gait and rack. The Boerperd is used on farms as a utility horse and is increasingly popular as an endurance riding mount.
The Boerperd's mobility and toughness enabled the Boers to hold strong against the British Army for three years. It was then that the British purchased Basuto Ponies and gained the upper hand.
While there were many attempts to form a breed society, it was not until 1973 that the Boerperd Society of South Africa was formed. Isolated herds of Boerperds are found today in southeast transvaal, northern Natal, eastern Free State and northeastern Cape. The Boerperd has been used to develop the Calvinia breed.
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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