The Nooitgedachter horse is found in South Africa.
They are considered to be a tough and hardy breed, and they are known for their good temperament.
If you’re interested in owning a Nooitgedachter, or just want to learn more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Nooitgedachter Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Nooitgedachter:
| Height (size) | 13.2 – 16.0 hands high |
| Colors | Any solid color, but most commonly bay, blue, brown and chestnut roans. Piebalds and skewbalds, and spotted patterns are not permitted as are blue eyes and de-pigmented skin. |
| Country of Origin | South Africa |
| Common Uses | Equestrian-tourism and horse safaris, endurance, gymkhana, jumping, dressage, trail riding driving, polo, often used in nature reserves for game counting, and patrolling inhospitable areas |
Nooitgedachter Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The origins of this breed may be traced back to the Basuto pony, which evolved from the Cape Horse in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These ponies were forced to fend for themselves in the harsh environment of the Basutoland highlands, where they were reliant on a limited supply of grass and had to endure freezing temperatures in the winter and hot temperatures in the summer.
Only the most resilient animals were able to live in these harsh circumstances, which led to the development of a particular breed of pony with distinctive traits – one that was tough, bold, and sure-footed.
Because of these qualities, the Basuto Pony was an excellent choice for use as a war horse during the Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1902).
However, by the 1940s, the Basuto Pony was on the brink of extinction in Lesotho as a result of widespread export, drought, and neglect.
In 1951 a nucleus group of animals was acquired by the South African Department of Agricultural, and the following year, a breed study was launched at the Proefplaas Nooitgedacht Research Station close to Ermelo.
The project was originally known as the Basutho Pony Project, and it had two primary objectives: the first was to save the Basutho Pony of Lesotho, which had been in decline ever since the period of the Anglo-Boer War, and the second was to develop a breed of sturdy riding horse for South Africa.
Because of the extensive inbreeding that had occurred in the past, breeding had to be conducted with great caution.
Thus, a strict scientific breeding program was implemented, and only one out of every four foals was kept.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture continued to work on developing the good traits of the Basuto Pony with the same level of commitment and, at times, brutality that nature employed in the process of originally creating the Basuto Pony.
1967 saw the formation of the Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Association.
The pinnacle came in 1976, when the South African Stud Book Association officially acknowledged the breed as the country’s first indigenous horse breed.
The original name, Nooitgedacht Pony, has over time evolved to “Nooitgedacht Horse” , and then finally to “Nooitgedachter”.
The name of the breed comes from the name of the research center (Proefplaas Nooitgedacht), and not from the Afrikaans word nooitgedacht which roughly translates to “never imagined”.
Today the Nooitgedachter is a rare breed.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Nooitgedachtperd”, Nooitgedacht Pony”, “Nooitgedacht Horse”
Temperament/Personality
Gentle, good natured, reliable, courageous, easy to handle and train
Physical Characteristics
Nooitgedachters are gaited and besides walk, trot and canter they can perform an ambling gait, known as strykstap, and a rack called ‘triple’ in South Africa.
In breeding, rideability and stamina are highly emphasized, and they should be able to carry a heavy adult person over long distances.
The back is short, and the shoulder is sloped.
They have very good and solid hooves and can also go barefoot.
They are hardy and very surefooted.
Overall it is a sturdy and compact horse.
Colors
Any solid color, but most commonly bay, blue, brown and chestnut roans.
Piebalds and skewbalds, and spotted patterns are not permitted as are blue eyes and de-pigmented skin.
Height (size)
13.2 – 16.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
750 – 970 lbs (340 – 440 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Equestrian-tourism and horse safaris, endurance, gymkhana, jumping, dressage, trail riding driving, polo, often used in nature reserves for game counting, and patrolling inhospitable areas
Health
No breed-specific health issues
Popular Traits
Hardy, gaited breed
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
South Africa
Ancestors
Basuto Pony