ABOUT US

Back in 1916, Sammy Marks registered the Vereeniging Milling Company (VMC), and in 1917 he teamed up with Adolf Sacks to build a maize mill in Vereeniging. This was a first in South Africa. For the first time they could handle and store bulk quantities of maize. They were front of the pack, laying the foundation for what would later become one of the greatest animal feed groups in the country.

When Marks passed away, Monty Ross took over the reins. Ross and Premies Milling purchased 90% of VMS from Vereeniging Estates in 1934. It was from this company that Epol later evolved.

Years later in August 2013, RCL FOODS acquired Foodcorp, South Africa’s third largest food producer. Shortly after the company was renamed from Rainbow Chicken Limited to RCL FOODS Limited, with RCL FOODS as the holding company for Rainbow and Vector.

Things didn’t stop there. With a philosophy of ‘one company’ and an aim to establish a large-scale food industry in Africa, the company decided to diversify. In January 2014 they acquired TSB Sugar and two leading animal feed companies, Epol and Molatek came together.

In 2018 RCL made the decision to acquire the Driehoek Feeds Mill, situated in the heart of the beautiful area of the Waterberg.  Equus Horse Feeds therefore came on board with Epol Equine.

In the world of horse and rider, teamwork comes naturally, to all. Working as a team really does make big dreams work. That’s one of the reasons we are proud to grow trusted brands Epol Equine and Equus, as a committed team, an innovative spirit, and a proactive attitude to the latest research, really does allow us to provide the equine industry with the next level in equine nutrition.

Today, supported by nearly a century of experience and expertise, Epol is one of the leading animal-feed manufacturers in South Africa and services a wide range of species, both nationally and internationally.

MEET OUR TEAM

Dori Over

Dori Over’s passion for horses began at age six, when after many years of asking her parents for a pony ride for her birthday, her wish was granted.  It was a moment that sparked a lifelong connection that has propelled her career that spans over 40 years. Dori believes owning and competing on her own horses has helped her grow, and while her appetite for knowledge may have been tiresome for some instructors, mentors, and breeders from different disciplines and countries has helped shape her into a well-rounded advisor.

She has pursued this passion through hands-on experience and formal study in Equine Science at Pretoria Technicon. Her career includes roles in Livery and Stud Yards, working with top event riders in Australia, and American Hunter seat barns. Throughout, Dori has seen the transformative power of nutrition, firmly believing that “you are what you eat.” The right diet, she’s found, can dramatically improve a horse’s health and performance.

Now at Epol, Dori enjoys helping horses—from leisure companions to elite athletes—reach their full potential through high-quality feed.  ”Watching a horse morph into the best version of itself through correct diet and nutrition and watching the pride and satisfaction of the owner seeing, feeling and breathing the change, makes every day beautiful,” says Dori. She also values the chance to collaborate with other experts, supporting health across various species.

Debbie Dick

Debbie has been with Epol since 2011 and heads up our team of equine nutrition experts.

Her love for horses emerged before she could walk in the hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal, where she spent many happy years riding before pursuing her passion in the exciting world of horse racing at the age of 18.  She also plays polocrosse, which she continues to enjoy alongside her family and currently holds the role of Chief Umpire for Polocrosse South Africa.

Her career began as an assistant trainer before joining a veterinary practice where she served for over 9 years.  After which she moved into the feed industry settling in the position of National Epol Equine Manager.  Debbie has great admiration for the Thoroughbred for its speed, agility and ability as a natural athlete.  Her passion is conditioning horses for performance and this has led to a zealous quest for knowledge of nutrition and feeding horses.  Debbie brings years of experience working in the equine industry and wishes to add value to all her clients by sharing her knowledge with them.