Avontuur Thoroughbred Stud Farm

For the love of horses

Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm, situated next to the wine estate at the foot of the Helderberg between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, has always strived towards the “quality not quantity” motto.

It was established in the late 1980s by the late Tony Taberer and his dream and passion continues with his sons Michael and Philip now involved.  Long-term General Manager Pippa Mickleburgh still holds the reins, which ensures stability and continuity.

Home to European sprinter Var, who has been covering some of South Africa’s top broodmares from 2005 onwards, his progeny have been breaking records country-wide from 2009.   VAR was crowned Champion First Season Sire and Champion 2yo Sire in 2017. We are hoping he will repeat this achievement in 2018.

Highly rated global sire Oratorio, who arrived at Avontuur at the end of February 2013, has been adding his progeny to the already successful Avontuur “mix” with many of his yearlings up for sale from 2018.

The jewel in our crown to date must be the incredible achievements of Avontuur-bred Legal Eagle, twice crowned horse of the year and three times winner of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate amongst others.  Other notable winners linked to the Estate, are Variety Club and Val de Ra, both by Var.

Avontuur has a superb broodmare band consisting of 39 mares from around the world, which is continually upgraded by adding group winners from excellent bloodlines to keep our yearlings at the quality standards to which we aspire. We are thrilled to have some of Var’s offspring in the brood mare group now, who are doing extremely well (eg. Valeta, Varikate, Miss October and Menorah). This, combined with a policy of only using outstanding sires, is keeping the operation in the top league.

Although VAR and his offspring  are performing brilliantly, we have over the years bred many other winners from top stallions, and Oratorio’s progeny are starting to deliver on their promise as well.

For the love of horses