The South African Boer Horse (Boerperd) descends from an interesting mixture of breeds. The first horses brought to South Africa by Europeans were Andalusians, Persian Arabs and Java Ponies. These were mixed and selected to provide all purpose horses and cavalry mounts. In the 1800s the blood of Friesians, Norfolk Trotters, Cleveland Bays and Hackneys was added. Today's Boerperd is somewhat variable in appearance, with some horses showing their Arabian or Andalusian ancestry more strongly, and others leaning more towards the Norfolk Trotter, Hackney or Cleveland Bay appearance.
As can be seen on this website (look under "Stallions/Hingste") some of the horses are 5-gaited, and shown saddleseat style. Others are clearly trotting horses with sport-horse conformation, and are used as jumpers or for dressage. Others are used as pleasure horses.
Because of the many influences, the Boerperd comes in a variety of solid colors, including roan and dun.
Photo: SA Boerperd Breeders Society
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