The Vlaamperd hails from South Arika and was originally intended as a riding and draft animal.
They are known for their strength, hardiness and good temperament.
If you are interested in owning a Vlaamperd, there are a few things you should know about the breed before making your decision.
So, if you are thinking of adding a Vlaamperd to your equine family, read on!
Vlaamperd Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Vlaamperd:
| Height (size) | 14.2 – 15.2 hands high |
| Colors | Stallions are always black, but mares can be dark bay. The very dark color of the Vlaamperd is a result of Friesian ancestry. Since lighter colors are a sign of undesirable crossbreeding, they are strictly forbidden. |
| Country of Origin | South Africa |
| Common Uses | Riding, driving, showing, festivals, weddings, tourism |
Vlaamperd Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The South African Vlaamperd originates from the western Cape Region of South Africa.
The name “Vlaamperd” translates to “Flemish Horse,” which is a reference to the breed’s significant early Friesian influence.
In 1820, Lord Charles Somerset brought several Arabian and Thoroughbred stallions to South Africa.
These stallions were bred to the local mares, which led to the development of a now extinct riding horse known as the Hantam horse or the Cape Horse.
Additionally, several east Friesian, Hackney, Oldenburg, and Cleveland Bay stallions were utilized to provide new blood to the line, and to create a heavy-riding horse.
The resultant animal had a high-stepping gait, was elegant, and was very versatile.
While the Vlaamperd breed was being developed, the Dutch forbade the export of Friesians in order to regulate breeding.
In order to circumvent the restriction, South Africans started importing Friesian horses from Antwerp in Belgium.
They began referring to the Friesian horses as “Vlaamse perde,” which literally translates to “Flemish horses,” and this is where the word “Vlaamperd” originated.
In 1983, the SA Vlaamperd Breeders Society was founded in Bloemfontein with the goal of protecting and preserving the breed.
However, today there are very few pureblood individuals of this breed still in existence, and the breed is on the verge of extinction.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“South African Vlaamperd”
Temperament/Personality
Good natured
Physical Characteristics
It is a well conformed breed with a well-rounded croup, long legs and a high-arched neck. The mane and tail are thick.
They are elegant and long-legged with great movements.
The Vlaamperd resembles the Friesian in appearance but is lighter in build.
Colors
Stallions are always black, but mares can be dark bay.
The very dark color of the Vlaamperd is a result of Friesian ancestry.
Since lighter colors are a sign of undesirable crossbreeding, they are strictly forbidden.
Height (size)
14.2 – 15.2 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
Around 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Riding, driving, showing, festivals, weddings, tourism
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
South Africa
Ancestors
Friesian, Cape Horse, Hackney, Thoroughbred, East-Friesian, Oldenburg, Cleveland Bay