South Africa has a rich and varied horse population. Alongside locally developed breeds such as the Boerperd and Nooitgedachter, you will find Thoroughbreds from the racing industry, imported and locally bred Warmbloods, Arabians, American Saddlebreds, Friesians and a wide range of ponies and crossbreds.
A horse's breed can tell you a lot about its likely build, typical uses and some general tendencies. It cannot tell you everything. Training, temperament, health and experience vary enormously between individual horses of the same breed.
This guide gives an overview of popular horse breeds in South Africa and what they are typically used for, to help you narrow down your search.
South African Breeds
Boerperd
The Boerperd is a South African breed with roots in the horses of the early Cape. It was developed to be a hardy, practical horse that could cope with the country's varied terrain and conditions.
Boerperde are known for their hardiness, sound constitution, good temperament and versatility. They are used for leisure riding, outrides, showing and a range of other disciplines, and many make excellent family and all-round horses.
Nooitgedachter
The Nooitgedachter was developed in the mid-20th century at the Nooitgedacht research station in Mpumalanga, with the aim of preserving and improving the bloodlines of the Basuto pony.
Nooitgedachters are compact, hardy and sure-footed, with a reputation for being sensible and willing. They are popular for outrides, trail riding, endurance and as family horses.
Basuto pony
The Basuto pony comes from the mountainous region of Lesotho, where it has long been used as a working and riding animal. These ponies are small, tough and remarkably sure-footed on rough ground, and they have influenced several Southern African breeds.
Popular International Breeds
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds are bred for racing, and South Africa has a well-established racing industry. Many horses retire from racing and are retrained for other careers, often referred to as off-the-track Thoroughbreds, or OTTBs.
Thoroughbreds are athletic, fast and often sensitive. Many go on to successful careers in show jumping, eventing, dressage and leisure riding. Former racehorses can be affordable to buy, but retraining takes time, patience and experience, so they are not always the best choice for novice riders.
Thoroughbreds often have finer coats and can need more feed to hold condition than hardier breeds.
Warmbloods
Warmblood is a broad term covering sport horse breeds originally developed in Europe, such as the Hanoverian, KWPN (Dutch Warmblood), Holsteiner, Oldenburg and Trakehner. Warmbloods are also bred in South Africa.
Warmbloods are bred for sport and are especially popular for dressage and show jumping. They are often larger horses with powerful movement and good jumping ability. Well-bred, well-trained Warmbloods can command high prices.
Arabian
The Arabian is one of the oldest and most recognisable horse breeds, with its distinctive dished face and high tail carriage. Arabians are intelligent, sensitive and hardy, with excellent stamina.
They excel in endurance riding and are also used for showing and leisure riding. Arabian crossbreds are also popular, often combining the Arabian's stamina with the size or temperament of another breed.
American Saddlebred
The American Saddlebred is particularly popular in South Africa, where it has a large and active breeding and showing community.
Saddlebreds are elegant horses with a high head carriage and animated movement. They are widely shown in saddle seat classes, and some are five-gaited, performing two additional gaits known as the slow gait and the rack. Many also make willing leisure horses.
Friesian
Friesians are striking black horses from the Netherlands, known for their long, flowing manes and tails, feathered legs and high-stepping action.
They are used for driving, dressage and leisure riding, and are popular for their gentle temperament and presence. Friesians and Friesian crosses are often sought after for their looks.
Western breeds
Breeds such as the American Quarter Horse, Appaloosa and Paint Horse are associated with western riding. They are typically muscular, compact and calm, with quick reactions, and they are used in western disciplines as well as for leisure riding.
Draught breeds and crosses
Heavy breeds such as the Percheron are sometimes called gentle giants. They are used for driving and leisure riding, and draught crosses can make strong, steady riding horses, often suitable for larger riders.
Pony breeds
Welsh ponies and cobs, Shetlands, Connemaras and other pony breeds are popular in South Africa, particularly for children. Welsh ponies are versatile and come in several types and sizes. Shetlands are small and strong, while Connemaras are known for their jumping ability and good nature.
If you are looking for a pony for a child, read our guide to buying a first pony for your child.
Breed Overview
| Breed | Known for | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Boerperd | Hardiness, versatility and good temperament | Leisure, outrides, showing, all-round riding |
| Nooitgedachter | Sure-footedness and sensible nature | Outrides, trail, endurance, family riding |
| Thoroughbred | Speed, athleticism and sensitivity | Racing, show jumping, eventing, dressage |
| Warmblood | Power, movement and jumping ability | Dressage, show jumping |
| Arabian | Stamina, intelligence and hardiness | Endurance, showing, leisure |
| American Saddlebred | Elegance and animated gaits | Saddle seat, showing, leisure |
| Friesian | Presence, looks and gentle nature | Driving, dressage, leisure |
| Quarter Horse | Calmness, strength and quick reactions | Western riding, leisure |
Do Registration Papers Matter?
Many horses are registered with a breed society, which records their pedigree and identity. Registration papers can be important if you plan to breed, compete in breed-specific shows or want proof of a horse's bloodlines.
If papers are part of the sale, check that they match the horse, including its markings and any microchip, and ask how the transfer of ownership will be handled.
If you simply want a good riding horse, papers may matter far less. Do not pay a large premium for bloodlines you do not need.
Do Not Overlook Crossbreds
Many of the best riding horses in South Africa are crossbreds or unregistered horses. A well-trained, sound crossbred with a good temperament can be excellent value and may suit you better than a purebred horse.
Choosing the Right Horse, Not Just the Right Breed
Breed can be a useful starting point, but it should not be the deciding factor. When choosing a horse, focus on:
- Temperament and suitability for your experience
- Training and what the horse can do now
- Soundness and health
- Size and build relative to you
- The disciplines you want to pursue
Our guide to horse prices in South Africa explains why the same breed can vary so widely in price, and our guide on how to buy a horse walks you through the buying process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular horse breed in South Africa?
There is no single answer. Thoroughbreds are widespread because of the racing industry, and Boerperde, American Saddlebreds, Arabians and Warmbloods all have large followings. The most common horse in many yards is a crossbred.
What is the best horse breed for a beginner?
The individual horse matters more than its breed. An older, well-trained horse with a calm temperament is usually the best choice for a beginner, whatever its breed. Many Boerperde, Nooitgedachters, cobs and crossbreds suit novice riders well.
What is an OTTB?
OTTB stands for off-the-track Thoroughbred, a horse that has retired from racing. Many OTTBs are retrained successfully for other disciplines, but they usually need time and an experienced rider during the transition.
Are Warmbloods good for beginners?
Some are, but many Warmbloods are bred for high-level sport and can be powerful and sensitive. An older, experienced Warmblood with a calm temperament may suit a less experienced rider, while a young, talented Warmblood is usually better suited to an experienced rider.
Find Your Next Horse on Trot
Every breed has its strengths, but the right horse for you is the one that matches your experience, goals and budget.
Browse horses for sale on Trot and use the breed, discipline, age and height filters to find horses that suit you.
