Boer Pony
Encyclopedia
The Boer Pony is a calm, tough pony originating from South Africa
. It is often referred to as the Boerperd. Two varieties exist, the Boerperd, a general breed, and the more refined Cape Boerperd.
: walk, trot, canter, slow gait and rack.
, both having developed from the Cape Horse in the 19th century. During that time, however, the Boer Pony was also influenced by imported stock, such as Flemish, Hackney and Cleveland Bay
horses, from which the Vlaamperd
breed was developed. The Boer Pony did not have to survive such rough conditions as the Basuto pony
did, and has consequently become a larger, better-developed animal. In the Boer wars, its great mobility and toughness helped the Boers move around and hold out against the British Empire
for three years. Although thousands of horses were lost due to the harsh conditions. Top breeding horses were hidden away in the mountains so that the breed could be preserved.
Various attempts were made to form a Boerperd Society http://www.saboerperd.com/(in Afrikaans
, 'boerperd' means 'farmer's horse', but can also be a reference to Afrikaners), and in 1973 the Boerperd Society of South Africa was formed. Today, Boerperds are found in isolated herds in the south-east Transvaal
, northern Natal, eastern Free State
and north-eastern Cape Province
.
s and for the increasingly popular sport of endurance riding
.
They are also fine horses for beginners as they are patient and good natured.
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. It is often referred to as the Boerperd. Two varieties exist, the Boerperd, a general breed, and the more refined Cape Boerperd.
Characteristics
This pony stands between 13.3 and 15.3 hands high, and can be black, brown, bay, chestnut, grey, roan, dun or palomino. It is often capable of five gaitsHorse gait
Horse gaits are the various ways in which a horse can move, either naturally or as a result of specialized training by humans.-Classification:...
: walk, trot, canter, slow gait and rack.
History
The Boer Pony has similar origins to the Basuto ponyBasuto pony
- Characteristics :The Basuto is considered a small horse, since it possesses horse-like characteristics, such as an exceptionally long stride. Basutos have a rather heavy head, a long neck and long, straight back, a straight shoulder, and a muscular, sloping croup. They have very tough legs and...
, both having developed from the Cape Horse in the 19th century. During that time, however, the Boer Pony was also influenced by imported stock, such as Flemish, Hackney and Cleveland Bay
Cleveland Bay
The Cleveland Bay is a breed of horse that originated in England during the 17th century, named after its colouring and the Cleveland district of Yorkshire. It is a well-muscled horse, with legs that are strong but short in relation to the body. The horses are always bay in colour, although a...
horses, from which the Vlaamperd
Vlaamperd
The Vlaamperd, SA Vlamperd or Vlamperd is a very rare horse breed developed in the Western Cape region of South Africa. It was a cross between the Friesian, Thoroughbred, Hackney, Cape Harness horse, and assorted heavy warmblood breeds on smaller Cape horses...
breed was developed. The Boer Pony did not have to survive such rough conditions as the Basuto pony
Basuto pony
- Characteristics :The Basuto is considered a small horse, since it possesses horse-like characteristics, such as an exceptionally long stride. Basutos have a rather heavy head, a long neck and long, straight back, a straight shoulder, and a muscular, sloping croup. They have very tough legs and...
did, and has consequently become a larger, better-developed animal. In the Boer wars, its great mobility and toughness helped the Boers move around and hold out against the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
for three years. Although thousands of horses were lost due to the harsh conditions. Top breeding horses were hidden away in the mountains so that the breed could be preserved.
Various attempts were made to form a Boerperd Society http://www.saboerperd.com/(in Afrikaans
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a West Germanic language, spoken natively in South Africa and Namibia. It is a daughter language of Dutch, originating in its 17th century dialects, collectively referred to as Cape Dutch .Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch; see , , , , , .Afrikaans was historically called Cape...
, 'boerperd' means 'farmer's horse', but can also be a reference to Afrikaners), and in 1973 the Boerperd Society of South Africa was formed. Today, Boerperds are found in isolated herds in the south-east Transvaal
Transvaal Province
Transvaal Province was a province of the Union of South Africa from 1910 to 1961, and of its successor, the Republic of South Africa, from 1961 until the end of apartheid in 1994 when a new constitution subdivided it.-History:...
, northern Natal, eastern Free State
Free State
The Free State is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Orange Free State Boer republic and later Orange Free State Province. The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans...
and north-eastern Cape Province
Cape Province
The Province of the Cape of Good Hope was a province in the Union of South Africa and subsequently the Republic of South Africa...
.
Uses
Today, Boer Ponies are used as utility horses on farmFarm
A farm is an area of land, or, for aquaculture, lake, river or sea, including various structures, devoted primarily to the practice of producing and managing food , fibres and, increasingly, fuel. It is the basic production facility in food production. Farms may be owned and operated by a single...
s and for the increasingly popular sport of endurance riding
Endurance riding
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the FEI. There are endurance rides worldwide....
.
They are also fine horses for beginners as they are patient and good natured.