Meet The Horses

Our Philosophy

At African Hoofbeatz, we believe every horse has potential, even if that potential doesn’t lie where it was first expected.

Many of our horses arrive from racing or with reputations as “difficult” or “unsuitable”. We don’t see that as a problem. We see it as a starting point. Our focus is on discernment, patience and empathy, giving each horse the time and support they need to find the right path forward.

Polocrosse is one option, not the goal for every horse. If a horse thrives in the sport, we develop them. If they don’t, we retrain them to transition into a role that suits them better, whether thats trail riding, safari work or something else entirely.

Once retraining is complete, we are committed to finding each horse a safe, appropriate long-term home.

The Babies

These are our young horses and those who have just started their retraining.

A bit about Snow Path

Age: 4
Breed: Quarter Horse × Australian Stock Horse × Thoroughbred
Background: Home-bred came to African Hoofbeatz as a foal
Likes: Safari, grooming and playing with the girls in the paddock.
Dislikes: Being brought in from the field, and suspicious branches or bricks that definitely weren’t there before.
Fun fact: I’m still learning to be as brave as the other mares, but I have excellent flying changes and love playing ‘stuck in the mud’. I’m showing real polocrosse promise.
Personality: Intelligent, curious and cautious.
A bit about Anora

Age: 3
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB)
Background: Raced in South Africa
Likes: Playing in the paddock with the other mares, and learning games in the round pen with humans.
Dislikes: My neighbour Snow Path interrupting my breakfast. Manners matter.
Fun fact: Prayer and I share the same sire, which makes us half-sisters.
Personality: Brave, intelligent and friendly.
A bit about Prayer

Age: 4
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB)
Background: Raced in South Africa
Likes: Being fussed over in the stable and heading out on hacks.
Dislikes: Boots on my hind legs. They feel strange.
Fun fact: I’m probably the sharpest of the youngsters and definitely the quickest to learn.
Personality: Intelligent, competitive and eager to learn.
A bit about Cappuccino

Age: 4
Breed: Australian Stock Horse × Thoroughbred
Background: Home-bred at African Hoofbeatz
Likes: Food, cuddles and western games.
Dislikes: Being excluded from snacks under any circumstances.
Fun fact: I’m basically a very large dog. You’d never guess I’m a covering stallion because I’m so sweet and sociable. My human Katie likes to come down and see me after school and give me lots of cuddles and treats, it’s the best bit of my day!
Personality: Highly food-motivated, curious and adaptable.
A bit about Alcaraz

Age: 4
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB)
Background: Raced in South Africa
Likes: Going fast and heading out on safari.
Dislikes: Turning right. I have opinions.
Fun fact: I was very talented but rather naughty on the racetrack and had a habit of trying to bite jockeys. Since arriving here, I haven’t bitten anyone. I’m much happier now.
Personality: Friendly, inquisitive and occasionally stubborn.
A bit about AK

Age: 8
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB)
Background: Home-bred, came to African Hoofbeatz from polo, which I didn't enjoy very much.
Likes: Being fussed over, massages and spending time with humans.
Dislikes: Loading. Firm no.
Fun fact: Despite my name, i’m actually very friendly on the ground. I’m still finding my feet in polocrosse, but I enjoy it far more than polo.
Personality: Sweet, speedy and stubborn when it suits me.
A bit about Blanche

Age: 4
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB)
Background: Raced in South Africa
Likes: Polocrosse, winning and going on safari.
Dislikes: Being out of work. I get bored and grumpy with the others.
Fun fact: I’m a natural at polocrosse and genuinely love the game. I’m also an exceptionally brave horse, which means i’m calm and collected no matter what comes my way.
Personality: Fearless, bold andncompetitive.

The Experienced Players

These are our horses who have completed their retraining or have played polocrosse before.

A bit about Madonna

Age: 15
Breed: Australian Stock Horse × Thoroughbred
Background: Polocrosse veteran
Likes: Easy days, gentle rides, being everyone’s favourite and spending time with the kids.
Dislikes: Overdoing it. I’ve earned my quieter schedule.
Fun fact: I’ve played A Division polocrosse and now enjoy semi-retirement, playing only lower divisions. I’m a trusted schoolmistress for younger or less experienced riders. I’m Karens horse and the children are learning to ride on me now too!
Personality: Calm, kind, friendly and wonderfully patient.
A bit about Star

Age: 9
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB) X Australian Stock Horse
Background: Home-Bred, came to African Hoofbeatz 5 years ago.
Likes: Polocrosse, Humans and Being the Boss of the yard.
Dislikes: Cappuccino pushing his luck and other horses not listening to me.
Fun fact: I’m the Star of the yard as my name suggests, and I’m also the boss of the other horses. I love polocrosse and i’m Andy’s main horse, but I’m also great at showing new players the ropes.
Personality: bold, Mans best friend and a Polocrsse star.
A bit about Crystal

Age: 9
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB)
Background: Raced in South Africa
Likes: Cuddles, treats, long grooming sessions and spending time being fussed over in the stable. I also enjoy playing with long hair.
Dislikes: Being ridden straight into the field. I prefer to be walked in first. It’s just how I like things done.
Fun fact: I often know what to do before you do. I’m currently in foal while out off work recovering from an injury.
Personality: Kind, intelligent, quirky and very affectionate.