Vlaamperds are nearly extinct horses that were developed for
draft and riding purposes in South Africa. They were developed in the Western
Cape from a 19th century horse called the Hantam Horse. The Hantam Horse came
about by crossing Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and local Cape mares. More recently,
Friesian stallions were bred with Hantam Mares as were Oldenburgs and Cleveland
Bays. The resulting Vlamperd have emerged as a good natured horse breed with
graceful conduct and a stylish high stepping action. They can be used under
saddle or in harness. The name is derived from the Afrikaans for Flanders'
Horse - the country from which a number of Friesian stallions were later
exported to improve the breed.
A famous stallion, "Scheepers," bred and owned by
the family van der Merwe of Kwaggasfontein, Sutherland (1930) and sold to Mr.
H. Serdyn from Riebeeck West in the Boland in 1942, had the greatest influence
on the breeding and development of the Vlaamperd.
The SA Vlaamperd Breeder's Society was formed in
Bloemfontein in 1983. The South African Vlaamperd is an established,
independent breed and considered a precious asset of South Africa that deserves
great recognition.
They are found in black. Pale black and dark brown are
allowed in mares. They are 14.2-15.2 hh, good natured, graceful, stylish, high
stepping action, adaptable, docile in disposition; and well conformed.
About Vlaamperd Horses
