SA horses ready to raid Europe

Danie Toerien

Yee haw!!

That was the overwhelming reaction on Monday when the news broke that the ban on direct horse exports from South Africa to the European Union (EU) had been lifted.

For the past 13 years, South Africa has not been able to export registered equines directly to the EU, but that all changed on Monday when it was announced that the South African Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) had received official notification that the reinstatement of direct EU equine exports had been approved.

In a candid interview, multiple champion trainer Sean Tarry described this as “a fantastic breakthrough”.

“It’s taken long enough and it is definitely very big news for the industry,” said Tarry.

“At the end of the day I am very happy that the export market is opening up. We want to grow the market. A lot of people have spent a lot of time and money to get this deal done. I commend all of them for their efforts.”

According to many experts, this will have far-reaching implications for the South African equine industry.

Local breeders, trainers and owners will undoubtedly see an almost immediate impact.

For starters, breeders are most likely to be the first to benefit.

“It does give international buyers a good opportunity to take a bite at our local market, taking advantage of our currency,” said Tarry.

“I don’t see international buyers coming in and buying 300 horses. They are going to cherry-pick.

“I expect the big-priced horses going for a bit more. The local buyers will then be shuffled back a bit, so they will have to go for the next best thing. That should theoretically push up prices.

“But we can’t have our cake and eat it.”

According to Tarry, the first step now would be to “build our numbers (of locally bred horses) up to where they once were”.

“We need to ensure that we have enough stock so that we don’t lose too many horses.”

It also provides opportunities for South African trainers to raid abroad.

“Getting our horses out of the country as straight forward as possible and to compete on level terms abroad is big,” said Tarry.

“It’s a great opportunity for a trainer who has the right horse to take out the country. South African horses have been successful abroad. The more streamlined the road to getting our horses out, the more competitive we will be, because our horses will be fit.”

The newly announced export protocol still contains strict quarantine regulations and according to Tarry the most important element is to streamline the process further so that horses can be worked during their in-country quarantine period as well as during their arrival time abroad, ensuring the minimum down-time.

The biggest role player in this endeavour during the last 6 years, has been South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP).

Adrian Todd, managing director of SAEHP, said the process was ultimately concluded thanks to negotiations between the various governments.

“SAEHP was formed due to the vision of Chris van Niekerk and the Export Task Team which he jointly founded with Mrs Susan Rowett,” reports Liesl King.

“SAEHP started on this path in January 2018. For three years it had the financial support of several individuals, stud farms and racing organisations in South Africa. Then in 2021 The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) came on board not only as a funder, but also to provide additional expertise on a technical level.

“Hence, I would like to express our thanks and appreciation to The Hong Kong Jockey Club and in particular to its CEO Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, for their input and support,” said Todd.

“I would also like to thank and recognise the NHA for their role in the process.”

It is important too note that the EU export amendment will come into effect after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union which is expected to occur shortly. SAEHP will advise when this publication has been made.

The pre-export quarantine period will take place at the existing Kenilworth Quarantine Station. Exports will be then able to take place from the AHS free zone in Cape Town directly to the EU.