Wéhann Smith, Group CEO of Kuda Holdings

Following stringent trade bans triggered by African Horse Sickness (AHS) outbreaks, the European Union (EU) formally lifted its direct import restrictions on South Africa in early 2024, reopening access to global markets, with the UK following suit as of 15 July 2026, resulting in horse travel from South Africa directly to Britain being reinstated. 

This breakthrough ends more than a decade of isolation caused by strict biosecurity protocols, particularly surrounding African Horse Sickness (AHS), with South Africa's equine industry entering a period of unprecedented international connectivity.

Already these and additional import openings involving Dubai, New Zealand and Australia are helping create broader market access.

Wéhann Smith, Group CEO of Kuda Holdings, who serves on the board of SA Equine Health & Protocols (SAEHP), a non-profit public-private partnership focused on managing equine disease control measures and expanding global export routes for South African horses, says the benefits extend far beyond horse ownership.

“Entire value chains stand to gain from renewed international participation,” he says.

The lifting of restrictions significantly improves access to global racing, breeding and sport horse markets – allowing the local equestrian community to export thoroughbred racing horses again and to race and compete internationally. 

Significantly, international buyers can now access South African bloodlines more easily, increasing exposure to new investors and purchasers.

Smith says the lifting of the ban has had far-reaching effects in the thoroughbred racing and sport horse industries.

“Breeders are much more inclined to import thoroughbreds from abroad knowing that they are able to export again. Similarly in the sport horse industry, knowing you are able to compete overseas and to bring in the top bloodlines has a very positive impact on the economy of the sport.

For someone buying a yearling at a yearling auction the dream is no longer just to win one of the big races in South Africa, but to go abroad and compete on the international stage and to compete for hard currency. Similarly in terms of values of horses, at our top end in the thoroughbred racing industry we compete with the best in the world. By owning a yearling here at home, you now have the chance of owning a hard currency asset in years to come.”

Looking to the future, the ability to move horses more efficiently to key global markets supports breeding, racing and sport horse development while creating new commercial opportunities for owners and investors. Where exports to Britain previously required months of high stress, the new protocols avoid the longer, more gruelling route via third countries like Mauritius

The equine industry remains a significant contributor to South Africa’s economy. Nationally, the racing industry supports approximately 177,000 jobs and contributes more than R7-billion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“By all accounts, the lifting of the restrictions has already had a major impact on domestic sales, demonstrating strong demand,” Smith notes.

The 2026 Bloodstock South Africa National Yearling Sale recorded:

• A record turnover of R208 million.
• A 21% increase on 2025.
• An average price increase of 15%.
• Fifty-five yearlings selling for more than R1 million.
• International participation creates significant opportunities, but it also introduces risks that many owners have not historically faced.

“With the lifting of restrictions comes greater responsibility,” says Smith. “Market access is earned through trust, and trust is maintained through rigorous health and disease management standards. Maintaining export status requires ongoing vigilance, as does continued investment in disease surveillance, veterinary science and biosecurity protocols.  In this regard, SAEHP plays a crucial role in protecting market access, by building the trust needed to keep global trading markets open,” he says.

It goes without saying that increased movement of horses and rising asset values heighten the need for specialist equine insurance, which is a strategic business tool rather than a discretionary expense.

‘Insurance is critical when moving horses beyond borders. It provides owners and investors with the confidence to pursue international opportunities, and this is not only for the protection of the owner’s valuable assets, it is as much for the wellbeing of the horses if illness or injury occurs,” says Smith.

“There are strict import / export protocols that involve a period of quarantine, and owners need to ensure their insurance policy covers the risks to horses while in quarantine. Similarly, one needs to ensure the policy specifically covers all the risks of air travel for horses,” he advises.