Ernie Davenport is a man of vision and insight and the South African Warmblood breeding industryÕs guiding light. In fact, the ceaseless efforts of a small band of dedicated and thorough horsemen are now taking their organisation from strength to strength. None more so than breeder Ernie Davenport who has played a vital role in the development of the South African Warmblood. ErnieÕs unwavering quest for perfection and his total devotion to the betterment of the South African Warmblood, has seen him become one of the most respected and admired men in equestrian circles in South Africa. The Ernie Davenport bred Pied Piper D recently became the first showjumper in South Africa to change hands for onemillion Rand and will shortly be jetting off to campaign in Europe with his new partner, leading South African rider Ronnie Lawrence. Much of ErnieÕs success as a breeder must surely be attributed to the very skilful way in which he has incorporated only the best thoroughbred blood available in South Africa in his breeding programme. Ernie tells us more about his own breeding endeavours and gives a general overview of the current sport horse breeding situation in South Africa
Q Where is your Stud situated?
The stud is situated in the Eastern Cape Region in the Eastern Karoo, which is a semi desert area. Our nearest town is Graaf-Reinet which is 80 kilometres away and 330 kilometres away form our nearest City which is Port Elizabeth.
Q How long have you been breeding purpose bred sport horses in South Africa?
We started the stud in 1983 with our first two foals born in that year and gradually increased. By 1988 we had 10 broodmares and have built up over the years to our present number.
Q Why did you begin breeding sport horses?
Both my wife and I used to compete. When our children grew up and went off to boarding school, we could no longer be away from home every weekend as we would never see the kids, so we decided to do something that would keep us active in the game, yet allow us quality family time.
Q How many broodmares are currently on the farm?
The stud currently comprises a band of eighteen broodmares and five two-year old fillies of which eight are thoroughbred, three Hanoverian, one Swedish mare and eleven South African Warmbloods. We like to keep our band of mares between 15-20. Four of the older thoroughbred mares will be retired from breeding shortly....