Last updated on August 31st, 2022 at 10:51 am
The subject of where to participate in your favourite activity as an equestrian relocating to Kenya may seem intimidating, given that horseback riding is not a popular sport in Kenya.
Horse breeding is a costly endeavour since horses require special attention, specialized food programs, and specialized veterinary services.
Horse breeding, on the other hand, has recently grown in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of the middle class. The Kenya Horse Association, for example, has aided the sport’s growth by ensuring that members have access to information about buying, finding, and maintaining horses and ponies in East Africa, as well as clinics, performances, events, meals, and transportation.
What is horse breeding?
Horse breeding is the reproduction of horses, particularly the selective breeding of horses guided by humans, especially purebred horses of particular breeds. Planned mating is used to produce desired traits in domesticated horses. Thanks to technology, modern breeding and management can improve conception rates, healthy pregnancy rates, and successful litter rates.
Here are five farms doing well in the horse breeding business in Kenya:
1. Malo’s Stable
The devoted mare Anja du Toit owns Malo’s stable, which is located at the foot of the Ngong Hills. It is Kenya’s first warmblood breeding facility, importing the best warmblood from Denmark, the Netherlands (KWPN), and Germany. Malo Stables’ Anja du Toit was the first person in Kenya to legally import stallion sperm. A South African veterinarian performed the insemination, which resulted in live embryo transfer foals of the Fastenal / Milan breed.
Malo Stables wants to sell as many foals and ponies as possible in Kenya so that the sport of horseback riding will benefit from better horses. Warm-blooded horses, on the other hand, are more expensive than the horses currently ridden in Kenya, prompting them to form business relationships with top European racers and professional horse riders in South Africa in order to export horses that have proven to be too valuable and talented for the local market. Their horses are either dressage or jumping horses and have given the ranch several wins in competitions.
Anju also offers horse riding training.
2. Sirai Stud
Sirai Stud is a farm at the base of Mount Kenya, only a few kilometres from the equator. The Spencer family owns the resort, which has been operational since 2012.
Sirai Stud crossbreeds horses tactically and selectively and sells them in Africa. The stable comprises 15 stalls, as well as a breeding stock area, a lab, and a tack room.
The location is the only factor that distinguishes this stud farm from others. Surai Stud is surrounded by thousands of acres of natural habitat for wild animals. The horses are used for all-around riding as well as safari adventures.
The Spencers travel to various locations to carefully pick stallions with renowned lineages in order to improve Sirai offspring’s pedigree, temperament, and conformation.
With their unique characteristics, the chosen breeds play a significant role in producing these horses with a range of desirable qualities. The breeding crosses involve boeperds and Friesians. The horses bred at Surai Stud have proven to do well in safaris and racing.
3. Achi’s Ranch
Timothy Simiyu owns Achi’s property, which is located near Karen, Nairobi. He began as a stableman and rose through the ranks, eventually receiving shares of the ranch from his boss, Tony Achesa. Simiyu was later given complete ownership of the ranch by Tony.
As a show of gratitude, the property is named after Achesa. It includes about 50 horses of various kinds. Simiyu grew up caring for and feeding horses, so he has a lot of expertise with them.
Timothy provides training to persons interested in breeding horses, and he was named best trainer at a trade fair in 2011 by former President Mai Kibaki.
The horses are used for horseback riding lessons as well as wilderness trips.
4. Kenana Farm
Kenana farm is located in Njoro, specifically in Elburgon, Rift Valley, Kenya run by Andrew and his wife. The farm is home to a healthy rotation of crops, as well as one of Kenya’s leading breeders of Friesian Dairy Cows and Kenya’s leading RaceHorse Stud. With their own eucalyptus woods, the farm is self-sufficient in lumber and wood.
The farm also serves as a home for the highly popular Kenana Knitters women’s group, which helps to combat unemployment in the area.
5. Kamwaki Farm
Kamwaki farm is reputed to be one of Kenya’s top horse breeders, the Vaulkard family owns the Kawamwaki horse stables in Limuru, a picturesque rural location north of Nairobi. They’ve held the property for almost 40 years.
Vegetables, organic tea, herbs, and other products are grown on their farm. However, they are more prevalent in horses. Their greatest wish was to see people riding horses on their plantation, which they have now realized.
How to move your horse in Kenya
Below are some of the top horse relocation companies in Kenya:
Sonic Fresh Co. Ltd complies with IATA live animal regulations, providing proper information, documentation, and transportation requirements. From acceptance until delivery, they ensure that all live animals are overseen for their safety, comfort, and security in a setting designed to assure their wellbeing.
They also advise the shipper on how to obtain the necessary authorizations from the proper authorities. They also organize the manner of transportation and ensure that it is the most appropriate for your animal’s journey, whether it is by road, air, or sea.
Re Trading
Re-branding as the only dependable cross-border horse transportation is based in South Africa. They provide professional horse transportation services throughout South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their team is capable of handling any work, big or small. Their clientele knows that they stand behind their services and prioritize the safety of your horse and your satisfaction. What sets them apart is their passion, competitive pricing, and meticulous attention to detail.
They provide services such as horse transportation, horsebox rental, horse hunting, horse equipment, and horse supplements.
Looking for a reputable source of resources on horse breeding in Kenya? The Kenya Horse Association helps members on a myriad of issues relating to the wellbeing of horses.
