Famed breeding industry Avontuur has chosen to shut its doors.
The former 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.

Avontuur was a  farm that has flourished since the late 1980’s under the expertise of general manager Pippa Mickleburgh.

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.”

Among the many stars raised at Avontuur were such champions as Legal Eagle, Thunderstruck and Val De Ra.