A New Era for Summerhill Equestrian

JUN - AUG 2020
SOCIAL SCENES | INSPIRATION | MY 033 | FABSTUFF | HEALTH
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Capital Contiki
Photo Tracy Robertson
Photo Hilary Oleary
Summerhill Equestrian and Hartford House Hotel have a new owner, and a bright
future with Henning Pretorius at the forefront.
Words Jordie Smith
If you have ever had the pleasure
of visiting Hartford House Hotel
and Summerhill Equestrian, you will
understand what a spectacular place
it is. Recently, the farm was bought by
renowned farmer and horseman Henning
Pretorius. Those in the equestrian world
might know Henning as the owner of
Capital Stud, who produces some of the
best warmblood horses in Africa. His
purchasing of Hartford and the stud is
something incredibly exciting and, as Mick
Goss himself said, exactly what the farm
needs.
Originally from Skeerpoort (where Capital
Stud is based), Henning Pretorius had
been looking for a new property and
home for his horses for over four years
before he decided to make an offer on
Summerhill. His horses are of huge
importance to him and their well-being
comes first, which was the reason for
this move. Skeerpoort has had a number
of cases of African horse sickness,
whereas KwaZulu-Natal has had very
few. Not only is the area safer for the
horses, but Summerhill is big enough, its
breathtakingly beautiful and the existing
team on the farm, who Henning has kept
on, are strong and skilled at what they do.
It was a match made in heaven!
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Cover Story
Henning Pretorius
Photo Hanno Langenhoven
Henning has some exciting plans
for Summerhill Equestrian, which
will also benefit Hartford House
Hotel. Water filtration plants that will
provide the horses, houses and hotel
with clean drinking water is just one
of the improvements that has been
implemented already. Proper irrigation
has also been put in place, pastures are
being prepared and paddock fencing
and roads are being fixed to ensure that
Summerhill Equestrian will become
the best facility for both warmbloods
and thoroughbreds. Henning has also
appointed a nutritionist for the farm to
ensure that the feed for the horses are
balanced correctly and that each horse
gets the correct nutrients. Veterinarian
Dr Manfred Rohwer, with his incredible
team from Baker & McVeigh, visits the
farm every Wednesday to assist the
team at Summerhill Equestrian with the
monitoring and care of all their horses.
The School of Equine Management will
also continue, and Henning has exciting
plans to expand this. Where in the past it
mostly included thoroughbred curriculum,
going forward it will be developed to
also include the warmbloods, providing
the students with even more valuable
knowledge. Henning and his family have
enjoyed spending some time on the farm
during the lockdown, and never one to
rest on his laurels, Henning has used
the time to get to know the ‘ins and outs
of Summerhill and identify problems
on the farm and work with the team to
find solutions. Henning’s passion for his
horses is contagious, and his knowledge
on breeding warmbloods is inspiring.
Photo Michael
Stewart Photography
With the move to Summerhill Equestrian,
he is also planning on getting some
thoroughbred mares in the future too, and
we are excited to see where this venture
will take him. The horses of current
clients who are boarding on the farm will
be welcome to stay on, allowing them to
experience the magic that is to come!
The renowned Hartford House Hotel is
also getting some much-needed attention
and with Henning’s ideas for this heritage
property, alongside his fabulous team, it
looks forward to being ready to welcome
back guests and weddings as soon as
possible.
Originally a vegetable farmer, Henning
says that breeding warmbloods is a
passion that got a bit out of hand.
Photo Hilary Oleary
Anyone who knows him or any of his horses
will be grateful for this! He is currently
renovating one of the houses on the farm
where he will live with his family when he
is not in Skeerpoort. As an active person
who loves to cycle, we can’t think of a better
place for him to call home, surrounded by
family, horses and amazing grounds.
We look forward to a new era of Summerhill
Equestrian and Hartford House Hotel, and
wish Henning all the best as he starts this
new journey.
033 263 2713
www.hartford.co.za
Hlatikulu Road, Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal
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