Vaalkloof Stalle

Vaalkloof Stalle is situated between Groblershoop, Kenhardt and Upington on the edge of the Kalahari desert.

The Kalahari desert is part of the huge sand basin. The sand masses were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. The wind shaped the sand ridges, which are so typical of the landscape in the Kalahari.

Derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning "the great thirst", or Khalagari, Kgalagadi or Kalagare, meaning "a waterless place", the Kalahari has vast areas covered by red sand without any permanent surface water.
There are small amounts of rainfall. It usually receives 3–7.5 inches (76–190 mm) of rain per year.
Summer temperatures in the Kalahari range from 20 to 48 °C. In winter, the Kalahari has a dry, cold climate with frosts at night. The low winter temperature can average below 0 °C.

The dunes stabilised through vegetation, so the area should actually be called a dry savannah. Unlike the dunes of the Namib Desert, those of the Kalahari are stable and not wandering.

The dominant vegetation: grasses, thorny shrubs and Acacia trees, can survive long drought periods of more than ten months every year.

The remarkable nests of the weaver birds in the camelthorn trees and in other acacias is a frequent sight in the Kalahari. These inconspicuous little birds, which resemble sparrows, live in huge communal nests with a diameter of up to two metres. At any given time, hundreds of lively little birds are breeding and feeding their youngsters in such a nesting colony.

Vaalkloof Stalle

Vaalkloof stalle was a realisation of a dream, and is home of the Kleinwitberg Nooitgedacht Stud and the Vaalkloof SA Boerperd Stud.

The Kleinwitberg stud was established in 1969 in the Northern Cape, and consists of six brood mares out of the Patroon (Poepies) line.

The Vaalkloof stud was established in 2008 in the Northern Cape, and consists of seven brood mares: One A2 Mare, two Odendaal mares and four Streicher mares.

Horses are selected for their calm temperament, love for people and intelligence. Strict evaluation of athletic, graceful movement, balance and a natural proud appearance.

Horses with high head carriage, strong loins and correct leg conformation are essential. Only quality horses with exceptional spirit, high level of endurance and which keep condition in the veldt are selected.

Versatile horses which can be utilized as show, farm, sport, child, pleasure and breeding horses are available at the Vaalkloof Stalle.

Mission

Vaalkloof Stalle strives through continuous selection based on an objective measuring system and a sophisticated breeding, schooling and training program to produce horses that will excel in the sport arena as well as pleasure horses.