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Horse marathons and main street locomotives
Fauresmith, Free State
Fauresmith's two icons: the horse and locomotive.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Because of its long equestrian history, Fauresmith has a tradition of expert resident whip makers.
In the mid-1800s, the small southern Free State town of Fauresmith nearly beat Bloemfontein in the race for provincial capital. In fact, it was so close that 3 more votes would have swung the deal.
No matter. Did Bloemfontein have a railroad track running right through the middle of its main street? There were once only 3 places in the world where this transport phenomenon happened. The other 2 were Tula Homa, Tennessee (USA) and Wycheproof, Victoria (Australia).
Back in its younger days, downtown Fauresmith must have been a sight to behold: a puffing steam train chugging through town, with farmers on horseback riding alongside it. Legend has it that the only railway traffic incident on record was the demise of an unlucky rooster. A pensioned-off loco now stands in the main street on a section of tracks.
Says the late TV Bulpin, one of South Africa’s premier travel writers of his time: ‘This elderly locomotive now spends its time watching the traffic go by and wishing there was still enough steam left in its boiler to allow it at least a few more whistles at the girls.’
These days, Fauresmith is better known for its annual National Equestrian Endurance Race in the first week of July – mid-winter for this part of the Grassy Karoo. It’s a real test for horse and rider that covers more than 200 kilometres over 3 days. Entries for what is now recognised as one of the world’s most challenging horse marathons have grown over the years to more than 300.
In a rather more gruesome historic vein, Fauresmith was also the site of 3 public executions in the latter half of the 19th Century.
The 1st murderer killed his wife because he wanted to marry a younger girl. The 2nd killed a transport rider as he slept under his wagon. The 3rd killed a Mrs Rossouw while she was doing her laundry at a fountain steam near the eastern entrance to Fauresmith. A sign to the ‘Murderers' Graves’ – about 1km out of town – points the way.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Kapokbosskerm b&b:
Cell: +27 (0)76 820 0661
Tel: +27 (0)51 723 0527
Phoenix Guest House:
Tel: +27 (0)51 723 0093
Rietputs Dam Guest Farm:
Cell: +27 (0)73 189 7157
Glaasstudio (Jagersfontein)
Tel: +27 (0)51 724 0259
How to get here
Fauresmith lies about 130km south-west of Bloemfontein at the end of the R706 route, which takes you through the diamond-mining town of Jagersfontein en route.
Around the area
Fauresmith is on the Open Africa organisation's Horizon Route. It's also part of the Xhariep District, and as such you should loop around from the Gariep Dam to Philippolis to Jagersfontein and into Fauresmith.
Get around
It's best to drive yourself. You could hire a car in Johannesburg or Bloemfontein.
Length of stay
Unless you’re here for the horse marathon, Fauresmith is worth a morning’s visit.
Where to stay
There are a number of guest farms and b&bs available – see Contacts.
What to eat
Hearty country fare, which usually involves a lamb dish.
Best buys
French wire crafts from Glaasstudio in Jagersfontein – see Contacts.