It’s the end of an era in South African breeding with the news that Avontuur Estate has officially closed the stud operations of a farm that has flourished since the late 1980’s under the expertise of general manager Pippa Mickleburgh.
Place of beauty – Avontuur Estate (Pic – Supplied)
The home of famed stallions like Var and Oratorio, Avontuur Estate will continue as a wine farm, restaurant and manor house accommodation, plus its use as an events venue and activities such as padel will be unaffected, but in thoroughbred breeding terms terms the barns have shut.
Mickleburgh confirmed that the last transport carrier left Avontuur in early May and that it has been a huge wrench for her.
“This farm has been my life for 35 years. My blood, sweat and tears are in the soil. The memories will remain forever. It’s a very sad time for my staff as well. Many of the staff have been around for 20 years and some even for 40 years and are like family.
“The decision to close the farm is that of the owners. All of the horses have gone to Ridgemont, including 27 mares. Avontuur was a very successful stud farm, built up over the years. You’d have to go back into the history books, but for many seasons we have produced a Grade 1 winner.”
Mickleburgh is undecided about her own future.
“I think I will take a break when my employment with Avontuur ends on 30 June. I need some time to reflect. Avontuur is in my DNA. Seeing the windup of the breeding part and saying goodbye to all the horses on the farm continues to be very tough and emotionally draining.”
The last sale that Mickleburgh attended as representing Avontuur was last month’s 2025 BSA National Yearling Sales where the colt October Rush, by Rafeef out of the Gr1-winning mare Miss October, was knocked down to Form Bloodstock for a sales-topping R4.25-million.
In total, Avontuur’s seven lots at the sale fetched R6.45m, at an average of R921,429.
In the days that the final thoroughbreds were being transported out of Avontuur, the exciting One World colt, Dreamworld – bred by Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm out of the Oasis Dream mare Dream de Ra, won the Gr3 Winter Nursery at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Mickleburgh was there at the lead-in, and could be seen wiping a tear from her eye.
“I’d just attended my final Sales and this was a final group winner for Avontuur while it was still operational as a stud farm. All other activities at Avontuur will remain, but the breeding side has closed.”
