Jacobus Moll Johnstone (Koos) imported racehorse bloodstock in the 1920’s to 1940’s. These horses travelled from England by ship and often required travelling companions. Being a horseman himself, the selection criteria for these travelling companions were temperament, hardiness and conformation. Once in South Africa these horses together with local stock became the nucleus of what is now the Hart E Miniature horse breeding herd.
Koos Johnstone’s son, Greyling Johnstone, continued the legacy. In 1984 there were enough people with a common purpose and small South African origin horses to form the SA Miniature Horse Breed Society. Greyling Johnstone was a founder member and is a past president of the Society. His daughter Coralezet Erasmus – nee Johnstone and her husband Chris have continued the legacy.
Hart E has for three generations embraced some very strict criteria. Horses were, no matter what, first selected on conformation. With good conformation came good movement. Colour and size have always been secondary factors. A goal common to the generations that built this stud has been to produce a herd of brood mares of similar type who breed true. This is work in progress and the challenge continues.
Hart E Miniature horses recently moved from Amersfoort where it has been situated to Beka Idube, a bushveldt retreat. Here a stable block and the necessary facilities have been created for the miniature stud.
