When it comes to horse breeding in South Africa, the name Orkney might not come to mind right away. However, it’s home to one of the most successful Icelandic horse breeders in the country. His name is Jan Steytler, and he has spent more than two decades breeding and raising Icelandic horses in the heart of Orkney. In this article, we will explore his journey, passion for breeding, the unique features of Icelandic horses, and the challenges of horse breeding in South Africa.
The History of Icelandic Horses: A Brief Overview
Icelandic horses are believed to be descendants of the horses brought to Iceland by Norse settlers between 860 and 935 AD. With no other horses imported to Iceland since, the breed has remained pure and distinct from other breeds. Historically used for transportation, farming, and warfare, Icelandic horses are known for being hardy and versatile, with five unique gaits, including the famous tölt. Due to their qualities, Icelandic horses are highly prized in equestrian circles around the world.
Despite their popularity, Icelandic horses faced a major threat in the 18th and 19th centuries when the Icelandic government implemented a ban on importing horses to prevent the spread of disease. This led to a decline in the breed’s population, and it wasn’t until the 20th century that efforts were made to preserve and promote the Icelandic horse. Today, the breed is thriving, with over 80,000 horses registered in Iceland and many more around the world. Icelandic horses continue to be used for a variety of purposes, including racing, showing, and trail riding, and their unique qualities make them a beloved and valuable breed in the equine world.
Discovering Orkney: The Perfect Place for Horse Breeding
Jan Steytler’s journey in horse breeding began in the early 90s when he discovered Orkney as the ideal location for horse breeding in South Africa. Nestled in the foothills of the Witwatersrand mountain range, Orkney’s harsh climate and rugged terrain provide the perfect environment for breeding hardy and resilient horses. The vast open grasslands and breathtaking scenery are also an added advantage for a horse-lover like Jan.
Meet the Icelandic Horse Breeder Who Made Orkney His Home
Jan Steytler has been breeding Icelandic horses for over 20 years in Orkney and has become known for his exceptional breeding program. His passion for Icelandic horses was sparked after his first visit to Iceland in the early 90s, where he was struck by the breed’s unique features and qualities. Since then, he has built his breeding program, importing the best mares and stallions from Iceland and raising them in Orkney, developing what he calls a “true Icelandic horse” – hardy, resilient, and highly trainable.
What Makes Icelandic Horses So Unique?
The unique features that distinguish Icelandic horses include their size, as they are much smaller than most other breeds, their strength, and their five gaits (walk, trot, gallop, pace, and tölt). They are known to have a gentle temperament, making them suitable for beginners with an interest in horses. Additionally, they have a distinct ability to adapt to harsh conditions, which reinforces their resilience and hardiness.
The Challenges and Joys of Raising Icelandic Horses in South Africa
Raising Icelandic horses in South Africa is not without its challenges. One significant problem is the hot climate, which can be difficult for Icelandic horses’ thick and woolly coat. As a result, Jan had to be creative, including developing horse grooming techniques that involve trimming their coats to help them adapt better. Feeding Icelandic horses in South Africa is another challenge. Their diet in Iceland primarily features grass, which is not always available in South Africa due to droughts. Despite these challenges, Jan is determined to make his breeding program successful and maintain the breed’s integrity in South Africa.
A Day in the Life of an Icelandic Horse Breeder in Orkney, South Africa
Jan Steytler’s day typically starts around dawn. His day involves tending to his horses, grooming, feeding, and exercising them. He oversees his breeding program and regularly travels as far as Iceland to purchase the best mares and stallions for his program. His passion for Icelandic horses is evident in the way he speaks about them, and he is willing to spend long hours tending to their needs. His efforts have resulted in his success in breeding highly desirable Icelandic horses that are known for their resilience, adaptability, and gentle nature.
The Art of Horse Breeding: How to Choose the Right Stallion and Mare
Jan’s success in breeding Icelandic horses is due to his focus on choosing the right stallion and mare for his program. He looks for physical and personality traits that match the Icelandic horse’s ideal. Additionally, he considers the horse’s lineage, breeding history, and genetic makeup. These factors ensure that the best possible offspring result from these pairings and that the breed’s integrity is maintained.
Exploring the Business of Icelandic Horse Breeding in Orkney, South Africa
Jan’s breeding program is an essential part of the Icelandic horse breeding business in South Africa. He has established a reputation for breeding hardy, versatile, and trainable Icelandic horses that are in high demand. He has established a web of international contacts that has enabled him to export his horses worldwide. Jan’s operation ensures that the Icelandic horse breed is sustained in South Africa, and he is well respected in the equestrian circles around the world.
The Future of Icelandic Horse Breeding in South Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
As Jan looks towards the future of Icelandic horse breeding in South Africa, he identified several challenges, including the country’s political and economic instability, climate changes leading to droughts, and limited access to quality food for the horses. However, he also saw opportunities, including innovation, collaboration across the industry, and demand for Icelandic horses worldwide. He’s determined to face challenges head-on and maximize the opportunities that lie ahead to ensure his breeding program thrives and the Icelandic horse breed’s stature in South Africa continues to grow.
Conclusion
Icelandic horse breeding in Orkney, South Africa, is proof that passion and determination can overcome the toughest challenges. Although many consider South Africa an unlikely location for breeding Icelandic horses, Jan Steytler has established a successful breeding program that has earned him respect from the equestrian community worldwide. His breeding program produces hardy, resilient, trainable horses that reflect the breed’s distinctive features. As Jan looks towards the future, he’s driven to overcome challenges and maximize opportunities to ensure his breeding program thrives and the Icelandic horse breed’s prestige in South Africa continues to grow.
