Horses play an important part in South Africa’s history and heritage, dating back to 1653 when Dutch settlers created the Kaapse Boerperd and South African Boerperd breeds. These breeds were used for commuting, kept as prized animals, used in racing, and in war. Today, horses are not just reserved for ‘the elite’, but play a more diverse role in society, and across many different economic sectors, including tourism.
In celebration of Heritage and Tourism month, the Council of Equine and Equestrian Professionals South Africa (CEEPSA) looks at how the roles of equines have changed over the years to shape our country.
South Africa’s first horse breeds
Javanese Ponies, the first horses that were introduced to The Cape of Good Hope by Jan Van Riebeek were bought in by sea. These imports were tough on the animals and many succumbed to the harsh conditions at sea. To strengthen the Javanese breed, Arabian horses were introduced, and this resulted in the Cape Horse.
Over time, the numbers of Cape Horse started to dwindle and was eventually replaced by the Boer Horse or Boerperd.
How war influenced our horse breeds. Horses played a significant role in our country’s historic battles. Firstly, between European and indigenous tribes, followed by the battle between the British and Dutch Republics. The Cape Horse breed that was used during battle suffered a significant population decline and had to be cross-bred with Hackneys, Clydesdales and thoroughbreds.
As a result, four predominant horse breeds in South Africa today, the Basutho Pony, Nooitgedacht Pony, South African Boerperd and Cape Boerperd, can be traced back to their common ancestor, the Cape Horse.
History of horse racing.
The first horse racing event took place in Cape Town in September 1797. The venue for this first horse race was the Green Point common. For a while racing was dominated by Tumbler, the first champion horse. Tumbler was so successful he was raced against imported British Thoroughbreds and still came out on top.
Economic contribution
With an active racing sector, regular competitive events, riding centres, and horse trails, the equestrian industry draws a lot of attention and attracts visitors from all parts of the world. Horse racing alone contributes R2.71 billion annually to South Africa’s GDP.
“While equestrian tourism in Africa contributes significantly to our economy in South Africa, we need to remember that horse welfare is a key priority for every sector that uses horses,” says Di Pieterse for CEEPSA. “While horses in the events racing and leisure industry are generally well looked after, people from under-resourced communities who rely on their working horses for income, struggle to keep up with the costs of meeting the needs of horse’s well-being. These communities are especially at-risk during events such as drought or contagious disease”
Families in under-resourced communities use horses for transport, scrap collection, and to collect and deliver essentials like food and water. CEEPSA is currently supporting their member the National Horst Trust’s, Highveld Horse Care Unit, who are working in under-resourced communities to provide much-needed care for their animals.
“These horses work hard and are the only source of income for the owners, who are normally supporting at least five family members, and are struggling to provide for their families, let alone for their horses,” says Pieterse. Donations are used towards establishing equine medical clinics in communities, ownership education, harness making, re-homing, and investigating cases of cruelty and neglect.
“We are urging the public to make any donation to any of the National Horse Trust Units of which Highveld Horse Care is one so that they can continue the important work that they do.”
Donations can be made to National Horse Trust FNB Account: 506 0015 6480 Branch code: 25240 REFERENCE: Equity programme.
For more information, contact Allister Jack on 063 706 5767 or at allisterjack01@gmail.com
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