An acknowledged leader in the South African thoroughbred industry, the Ridgemont brand embraces an eclectic mix of a proud tradition and noble history, coupled with international bloodlines and 21st century best practice, to forge its position and determination for excellence.
The original Highlands Farms Stud has its origins in 1950 when Jack Stubbs purchased a 100 hectare cattle and fruit farm in the Robertson Valley.
Commencing with Highlands’ foundation broodmare Alabama, and continuing with the importation from the UK of Persian Wonder, who would go on to become a six-time champion sire in South Africa and eventually boast an extraordinary record of thirty two of his sons to stand as stallions, while notably the broodmare sire of another seven stallions, the momentum of magic had gathered early impetus.
The foundation of a striving for excellence was cemented and today history proudly speaks of decades of outstanding achievement on the turf and in the lush paddocks.
Highlands Farm Stud was purchased by Graeme Beck in 1985 and produced multiple champions over 32 years until the Kieswetter family assumed the mantle in an acquisition from Antony Beck and Graham Beck Enterprises..
The new Ridgemont Highlands was born in 2017 and six years on, the international brand proudly takes the next giant stride forward as Ridgemont.
“The success of the Farm we purchased in 2017 was not built overnight – the tradition, history and achievements are direct results of the passion, care, and love that has been committed to every aspect of the Farm in previous years. As an operation we honour the past success of the Farm but even more importantly we respect the love that people have given to helping build what we have today. It is now time for us to embrace the future and the direction of where we want to take our operation. Ridgemont has always been the parent and we feel now is the ideal time for our image to represent that – our new logo demonstrates our excitement for the future with Ridgemont and our respect to that past with Highlands Farm Stud,” added Craig Kieswetter, who promised exciting developments on the horizon.
“Our investment in high-quality international bloodlines is ongoing. After a rebuilding phase from when we took over we have now enjoyed a couple of terrific seasons – however, our goal is to continue to get better, and to challenge all those around us to do the same, which in turn should help strengthen the industry. We are very excited as we transcend again into the next phase,” concluded Kieswetter.
The Ridgemont stallion portfolio incorporates the multiple Gr1-winning international stakes producer Canford Cliffs, SA Triple Crown star Malmoos, Singspiel’s Gr1-winning son Potala Palace, SA Champion Freshman sire Rafeef, and Snitzel’s blue-blooded first season speed machine, Real Gone Kid.
