Vlaamperd

The Vlaamperd (also SA Vlamperd or Vlamperd ) is a breed of horse that developed starting in the 19th century in South Africa. The main basis were from the Netherlands and Belgium imported Friesians.

Background information on the evaluation and breeding horses can be found at: exterior, interior and horse breeding.

Exterior

The Vlaamperd is a small horse with a noble appearance, the Height is 147-157 cm. As the Frisians are the Vlaamperds centimes, in mares are also black or dark brown admitted as coat colors. Lighter colors are strictly forbidden at stud, as this is seen as a proof that other breeds were bred.

Interior

The Vlaamperd is a high willing horse with a good character and fine movements with high knee action. The most successful race is in the driving sport. Vlaamperds go in two-, four - and Achtspänner and are often paraded during festivals, weddings and tourism as an attraction. With its elegant movements, the Vlaamperd is also popular as a riding and dressage horse.

Breeding history

1820 imported several stallions Lord Charles Somerset to South Africa. Most of them were of English thoroughbreds and Arabians. These stallions were crossed with local Cape horse mares. The result was a noble riding horses, which are considered the first Hantam horses.

During the early 19th century farmers came into contact with the Dutch Friesian, which were imported in large numbers in the country and the Hantam Horse displaced by intersection. Also German heavy warm- East Frisians and Oldenburg, who were known for their good qualities as carriage horses were imported. Particularly noteworthy is the Ostfriesisch - Oldenburg stallion named Kemp, who had great importance in the development of Vlaamperd. In addition, Hackney and Cleveland Bays were used for breeding. The greatest influence on Vlaamperds who were born after 1940, was born in 1930 stallion Scheepers.

During the development of a distinct breed in the early 20th century, the Dutch authorities prohibited the export of Friesian horses to control their own breeding. In order to circumvent the law, you Friesen from Antwerp instead began to import. The area around Antwerp was called Flanders, which is why Vlaamse perde ( Flemish horse) naturalized in South Africa, the name for these horses. The similar name Vlaamperd was then chosen as the name of the new South African race. The Vlaamperd Breeders Association (SA Vlaamperd Breeder's Society) was founded in 1983 in Bloemfontein. The breed is relatively rare today.