George Lanbouskou

Rare and Endangered Working Horse Species Takes Center Stage at Outeniqua Moon Conservation Project The upcoming George Agricultural Show is set to welcome a truly remarkable guest this year – “Shadowfax,” a magnificent Percheron horse who holds the distinction of being the largest horse in Africa. This awe-inspiring stallion, standing at an impressive 18.2 hands high and weighing a staggering 1.2 tons, will undoubtedly capture the hearts of attendees as he makes a special appearance at the event. At 11 years old, Shadowfax is not only an embodiment of equine grace and power but also plays a crucial role in preserving an endangered heritage. The Percheron breed, known for its historical significance as a versatile working horse, is now as rare and precious as the iconic rhinoceros. Shadowfax is a living testament to this remarkable lineage, a direct link to a time when horses were the backbone of agricultural and industrial activities. For over two decades, Outeniqua Moon has been a steadfast guardian of this equine legacy through their dedicated conservation efforts. Founded and self-funded by the passion and commitment of its founders, the conservation project has been a labor of love. Operating on the meager resources of its co-founder’s salary and the support of visitors to their guest lodge, the project has not only sustained the horses but also provided a unique opportunity for people to connect with these majestic creatures. The conservators have designed various engaging experiences for visitors, ranging from carriage rides that harken back to a bygone era, to educational paddock tours where guests can learn about the history and significance of the Percheron breed. These interactions not only offer a glimpse into the past but also serve as a call to action to protect these remarkable animals. “Our mission is to raise awareness about the plight of these magnificent animals and to create a connection between people and horses,” says Peter and Christine Watt,  founders of Outeniqua Moon. “Shadowfax is not just a horse; he represents a living heritage that deserves our admiration and protection.” As a part of their efforts, Outeniqua Moon also welcomes day visitors to their project, providing an opportunity for families, individuals, and horse enthusiasts to learn, engage, and contribute to the preservation of these endangered horses. To learn more about their mission and offerings, you can visit their website at www.outeniquamoon.co.za. For those eager to witness the grandeur of Shadowfax and support the conservation project, the George Agricultural Show is the place to be. This unique opportunity to see the largest horse in Africa in person, while also contributing to the preservation of a dwindling equine heritage, is an experience that promises to be both educational and awe-inspiring. Shadowfax will perform on Saturday at 13:00 in the horse arena. For more information or to book your visit, you can contact Chrissy Grobler at 082 564 9782 or visit their website. Join Outeniqua Moon in their mission to ensure that the legacy of these incredible horses lives on for generations to come.

Agriculture holds the key to our future, and nurturing the next generation of farmers is crucial for the sustainability of this vital industry. The Jersey SA Youth Show, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 23rd, at the George Agricultural Show, is a remarkable event that highlights the efforts and talents of young farmers as they present their finest dairy cows. This event not only showcases the dedication of these young individuals but also provides a platform for learning, networking, and fostering a love for agriculture among the youth. The George Agricultural Show has a long-standing tradition of celebrating agriculture in its various forms, and the inclusion of the Jersey SA Youth Show adds a vibrant and educational dimension to this renowned event. The youth show brings together young farmers who are passionate about the Jersey breed and are eager to demonstrate their expertise and hard work in raising exceptional dairy cows. For those young farmers interested in participating in this prestigious event, the registration process is simple. To secure your spot, all you need to do is send an email to Tessa at tessa@jerseysa.co.za. Upon receipt of your entry form, participants will receive a comprehensive manual that provides essential information about the event, guidelines for showcasing their dairy cows, and tips for making the most of their experience. This manual is not just a handbook; it’s a valuable resource that will equip participants with the knowledge they need to shine on the day of the event. The Jersey SA Youth Show goes beyond mere competition. It’s an opportunity for young farmers to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and discover new methods for improving their farming practices. The event encourages camaraderie among participants and creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. By participating in the Jersey SA Youth Show, these young farmers not only showcase their hard work and dedication but also contribute to the promotion of agriculture as a viable and exciting career option for the youth. The event aims to inspire more young individuals to get involved in farming, fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders who are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to sustainably feed our growing population. In conclusion, the upcoming Jersey SA Youth Show at the George Agricultural Show on August 23rd promises to be a remarkable showcase of youthful talent and dedication in the realm of agriculture. With an emphasis on the Jersey breed and the exceptional dairy cows it produces, this event provides a unique opportunity for young farmers to display their efforts, learn from their peers, and contribute to the future of agriculture. Aspiring participants are encouraged to register promptly by sending an email to Tessa at tessa@jerseysa.co.za and prepare to be a part of this inspiring celebration of youth agriculture.

Saterdag 14 Januarie was daar ‘n miernes van aktiwiteite by die George Landbouskou terrein. ‘n Tent Pegging kompitiese is aangebied as ‘n vooloper vir die Wêreld Beker wat in Augustus saam met die jaarlikse skou aangebied gaan word. Baie opgewondenheid het geheers en George Landbouskou het die toets geslaag en is almal baie tevrede met die nuwe baan wat voorberei word vir die groot kompitiese. Ons almal sien baie uit daarna om van regoor die wêreld perde en ruiters te ontvang vir die Tent Pegging World Cup.  

Herman Pienaar is verkies tot nuwe Vise-president van die Outeniqua Landbou genootskap. Die verkiesing het plaasgevind tydens die algemene jaarvergadering wat gehou was op 1 November 2022. Herman is vir meer as 6 jaar betrokke by die George Landbouskou en is ook bekend as die mede eienaar van die gewilde facebook Groep, Georgiete Staan Saam.

George Agricultural Show is in very late stages of negotiations with a company that is going to establish PaddleTennis courts at the showgrounds. What is PadelTennis? Taken from the PaddleTennis SA web site. Padel Tennis is the fastest growing sport in the world and now has over 12 million players around the world with 11,500 courts in Spain alone. Padel tennis is the second biggest sport in Soccer crazed Argentina and Spain. It has an international governing body (International Padel federation) and a professional league the World Padel Tour. It is a dynamic sport that takes the best parts of Tennis and Squash and creates something more – More fun, more action, more social. Padel tennis is a doubles game played on an astro turf court that is 20 metres x 10 metres and enclosed on all sides by walls. The walls enable players to play shots off the glass as long as the ball has only bounced once. The game is played with a stringless padel which has many benefits for the Padel player. The Padel is closer to the hand making hand-eye co-ordination more intuitive. It also does not have a rim or edge which anyone who has played tennis can be a great frustration leading to shots going wrong. The ball is a tennis ball that is less compressed than a regular ball bringing making net play and fast reactions a big element of the game. The serve is underarm, with serves being made no higher than the hip. Making the game less about technique, strength and power. Padel tennis is easy to pick up and gives the players and spectators more of the all the things we love about tennis and squash, rallies, dynamic action and fun. Because the court is smaller players are closer together making conversation easier and more natural resulting in more social feel. With the more technical and power related elements removed Padel is more about strategy and tactics than power, making it appealing to all ages and abilities. In tennis women make on average only 15% of players in Padel the percentage of women players is 30% https://padeltennis.co.za/what-is-padle/

The sport of Tentpegging, formerly known as Gymkhana, involves swords and lances, with which the rider has to strike an object at a full gallop.  The bond of trust between horse and rider has no boundaries.  To successfully strike an object that is driven  into the ground or hanging from an overhead gallows construction, calls for the rider to focus on the object and to strike it without having to distract his concentration by shifting his attention to his horse. Once a rider commences an event, the emphasis is on the object and not on his horses.  Tentpegging calls for a well-schooled horse that will respond to commands instantaneously and have no fear of noise or sudden movements. A high standard of riding skill is required to gallop a horse at full speed and maintain posture as judges award points for the style and accuracy with which objects are struck or retrieved. For more on Tentpegging, click HERE.  

George Landbouskou bied in Augustus 2023 die Tentpegging (voorheen Gymkhana) Wêreld kampioenskappe aan. Die raad is besig om die terrein en baan voor te berei en is baie dankbaar vir S.Haddad wat bereid is om te help met die groot taak.