Nestled in the picturesque town of Muldersdrift, Gauteng, is the head office of a growing brand in the equestrian community, Horse Box Equestrian. This service-first family-run business, an offshoot of the successful Cat Box Pet Hyper, has carved a niche in the South African equestrian market, offering a wide range of products and services tailored to horse lovers and their steeds. The journey from Cat Box Pet Hyper to the addition of the Horse Box Equestrian brand is a story of vision, dedication, and
a deep love for animals. From Cat Box Pet Hyper to Equestrian Excellence Cat Box Pet Hyper, founded in
Muldersdrift 25 years ago, initially focused on pets. Leon Meyer, the director, walks Equestrian Life through the origins of Horse Box Equestrian: “Basically, we’ve been in the business for over 25 years, and we just felt in certain areas, like Muldersdrift, there was quite an unmet equestrian demand. In 2019,
we decided to add an equestrian section to our pet stores. Now, we have five
Horse Box Equestrian stores.” The recognition of a gap in the market drove the decision to expand into the equestrian market. Muldersdrift, with its rich equestrian history, provided the perfect backdrop for the start of this venture. “It’s not a very competitive market in Muldersdrift, so we have really
been able to capitalise on that and the business has experienced exceptional growth,” Leon adds.
From its head office in Muldersdrift, the brand has expanded to Bloemfontein, Hillcrest, Somerset West, and George. These five stores, strategically placed to cater to diverse equestrian communities,
offer a combination of pet and equestrian products. The success of Horse Box Equestrian is rooted in its family-oriented ethos. Leon’s words echo this sentiment: “Yes, it’s a family business, and as long as the people in the family are interested, it will stay like that.” This sense of family extends to the way they serve their customers, fostering a community of trust and loyalty.
Meeting Diverse Needs
Horse Box Equestrian’s product range is as diverse as the equestrian community it serves. From rider apparel to saddlery, stable supplies to horse trailers, the stores cater to all spectrums of the market.
They stock leading saddles and offer saddle fitting services for both their stocked saddles and other brands. “We do the full range of tack, from bits and stirrups to bridles and saddles,” Leon
explains. When asked about what products are the “big winners,” Leon says there is no clear winner (other than carrots) because understanding the unique needs of each region is essential. “Each
market we service is so distinct, in Muldersdrift, it’s a bit of everything – middle, high, and lower-end markets. Bloemfontein is different, with a lot of farm-type environments. In Somerset and Muldersdrift, we do feed as well, which brings in more feet, but you get a different crowd because you deal with all animal feed, not just horse feed. You need to know where you operate and what you need to stock in that market.”
Expanding Horizons
The addition of equestrian products has not only broadened their market but also enriched their service offerings. Leon proudly mentions their exclusive distribution of Bücker Careliner horse
trailers from Germany, available in showrooms across their stores. “We’re developing a bigger footprint
with the trailers, and we stock them in almost every region where we are,” he notes. Their marketing strategy, primarily through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, alongside
participation in equestrian auctions and magazines, has helped them reach a wider audience. Word of mouth remains one of their best forms of advertisement, reflecting the strong community ties
they’ve built.
Commitment to Service
At the heart of Horse Box Equestrian’s success is an unwavering commitment to service. Leon believes that excellent service is the cornerstone of their business: “It’s all about service. That’s how we’ve built the business, and that’s how we want to grow it. If customers get the right service, they’ll come back,
sometimes willing to pay a bit more.” This dedication to service is evident in every aspect of their operations. Whether it’s providing expert advice on saddle fitting or ensuring that each store
is stocked with products that meet the specific needs of its local community. According to Leon, he will still opt to visit the local hardware store over large name brands simply because of the
service and the personal attention he receives; it’s the same for Horse Box Equestrian. No matter how big they get, Leon says its success is rooted in the fact that they continue to strive to exceed customer expectations.
Continuous Evolution
It’s a journey of continuous growth and adaptation. Their online store is doing well and expanding significantly, ensuring they can meet the needs of customers across South Africa. Leon reflects on their progress with satisfaction: “It’s a nice addition to what we’ve been doing, and it creates a bigger
basket. Most equestrian people are animal lovers, and we feel that we can now cater for all the needs of the yard, the farm, or the equestrian home.” Riding into the Future Horse Box Equestrian’s story is a blend
of tradition and innovation, rooted in a love for animals and a commitment to service. From its beginnings as Cat Box Pet Hyper to its status as a leading pet and equestrian retailer, the journey has
been marked by vision, hard work, and a deep connection with the community. With a steadfast passion for animals and a dedication to meeting the unique needs of horse lovers, Horse Box Equestrian
is set to gallop confidently into a promising future as an example of what can be achieved when passion meets entrepreneurship.

For more information please visit https://www.hbequestrian.co.za/