Nooitgedachtpony – rare and intelligent

INDIGENOUS to South Africa, the Nooitgedacht pony descends from the Basuto pony. The Nooitgedacht pony population is around 400 and is considered to be a “rare breed”.

Standing between 13,2hh and 15hh, the Nooitgedacht pony is a sturdy mount with good bones, strong muscles and excellent feet. Most importantly, the Nooitgedachter is famed for its incredibly soft nature and intelligence. They are known to be “menseliewend” translated as “people loving”. Their affinity for people cannot be overemphasised.

A compact build, short back, sloping shoulders and comfortable gaits, enables them to carry a heavy man (80-90 kg) for long distances without becoming tired or tiring the rider. Another characteristic of the breed is its surefootedness and hooves that do not need to be shod.

Gentle, trustworthy and fearless, the Nooitgedachter is ideal for equi-tourism as it is an excellent horse for occasional and inexperienced riders. It is perfect for use in nature reserves for eco-friendly game viewing, patrolling fences and hunting.

The Nooitgedachter is an extremely versatile horse. Both willing and agile, they excel as competing horses successfully in jumping, dressage, showing, endurance, gymkhana, hacking and in harness. Because they require so little care and they are able to live on the veld they are very easy to keep.

Basuto ponies were brought to South Africa in 1951, and in 1952 the development of the Nooitgedacht Research Station’s breeding project began. The Basuto was nearing extinction and the people of South Africa needed a horse that could adapt to their climate as well as be a good work and riding horse. This mutual need resulted in the Basuto becoming the origin of what would become the Nooitgedacht pony. Through careful, select, and systematic breeding, the Nooitgedacht pony began to be recognised by its unique type.

The Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Association was formed in 1968 in order to enact breed standards and guidelines for the breeders of the Nooitgedacht pony. The project started back to 1952 was complete and successful, and as such, the Department of Agriculture Technical Services relinquished the project to the hands of the Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Association. By 1976, the Nooitgedacht pony was named by the South African Stud Book Association as the first indigenous pony breed of South Africa.

–Adapated from www.nooitgedachthorsestud.com

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