The wild horses of Kleinmond, also known as the Rooisand wild horses, live in the wetlands surrounding the Bot River Estuary in the Western Cape. They are the only free-roaming horse population in South Africa and have occupied this area for more than a century. For as long as older Kleinmond residents can remember, the horses have grazed in the vlei between the Rooisand Reserve parking area and the Kleinmond river mouth, a stretch of approximately 6 kilometres.
The herd is entirely feral and free-roaming but remains within the wetland and adjacent dune system. The horses do not move into surrounding urban areas. They can be seen from the tarred road through the reserve or observed more closely by walking along the beach towards Fisherhaven.
The origins of the herd are not definitively recorded. Several theories exist, including claims that the horses were hidden from the British Army during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902). Another suggestion is that local farmers released or concealed their horses in the marshes to prevent confiscation, or that animals were left behind as farming became mechanised in the early 20th century.
Long-term research by the late Professor Frans van der Merwe indicates that the horses most likely descend from the Boland Waperd, a type of Cape farm horse widely used during the 18th and 19th centuries for ploughing, transport, and wagon work. This conclusion is supported by the horses’ physical characteristics and their successful adaptation to local conditions. As a result, the herd is considered to be of historical significance.
The horses are well adapted to the estuarine environment. They feed on reeds, grasses, and aquatic plants, often grazing in shallow water. Their hooves cope well with muddy terrain, and their winter coats thicken to withstand cold, wet conditions. The population has remained relatively stable over time, suggesting a natural balance between births, deaths, and available resources.
Ecologically, the wild horses of Kleinmond play a role similar to that of large herbivores once found in the region, such as eland or buffalo. Their grazing helps control vegetation growth, and their movement through reed beds creates pathways that assist in keeping water channels open, contributing to the overall health of the wetland system.
Despite their resilience, the future of the wild horses of Kleinmond remains uncertain. Urban expansion, habitat loss, and pressure on the Bot River Estuary pose ongoing threats. Their continued survival depends on effective conservation management and the protection of this sensitive wetland environment.
