horse breed · 671 on Animalso
Nooitgedacht Pony: South African Riding Horse
- Animal
- Horse
- Origin
- South Africa
The Nooitgedacht pony, also known as the Nooitgedachter, is a riding-horse breed from South Africa. A selective breeding program began in 1952 to preserve the Basutho Pony of Lesotho. The breed took its early name from the Nooitgedacht research station near Ermelo, then passed through other names before settling on Nooitgedachter. It remains rare.
What the Nooitgedacht pony is
The Nooitgedacht pony is a South African breed of riding horse. Its development focused on preserving the Basutho Pony of Lesotho through selective breeding.
Name and origin
The breeding work began in 1952 at Proefplaas Nooitgedacht, a research station near Ermelo in Eastern Transvaal. The horse was first called the Nooitgedacht Pony, later the Nooitgedacht Horse, and now the Nooitgedachter.
What stands out
Its purpose is clearly tied to riding and to preserving the Basutho Pony. The breed also has a specific South African origin and a documented development site.
Points to consider
The Nooitgedachter is rare, with only about 400 purebreds reported. Its changing names can also matter when you search for historical records or references.
Pricing
The available breed facts do not give a purchase price or other ownership costs.
Who may want another breed
If you need a widely available horse, this rare breed may not fit. Compare it with other horse breeds or browse horse breeds from South Africa.
Our view
Choose the Nooitgedachter if its South African roots, riding role, and preservation history are central to your search. Look elsewhere if rarity or the breed's specialized history does not suit your plans.
What stands out
- South African riding-horse identity
- Created to preserve the Basutho Pony of Lesotho
- Breeding history begins in 1952
- Specific origin at the Nooitgedacht research station
Worth knowing
- Purebred population is very small
- The breed has used several names over time
- Its history centers on a specific preservation program
Suits
- Readers seeking a South African riding horse
- Owners interested in Basutho Pony preservation history
Think twice if
- You need a commonly available horse
- You want a breed with a broader recorded purpose
In short
The Nooitgedachter offers a direct link to South African breeding history and the Basutho Pony of Lesotho. The small purebred population makes it a niche choice. Buyers who value historical context and a riding-horse background may find it worth pursuing, while those wanting easy availability should compare other horse breeds first.
Questions
What is the Nooitgedacht pony?
It is a riding-horse breed from South Africa, also known as the Nooitgedachter.
Where did the Nooitgedacht pony originate?
It originated in South Africa, at the Proefplaas Nooitgedacht research station near Ermelo in Eastern Transvaal.
Why was the breed developed?
In 1952, a selective breeding program was established to help preserve the Basutho Pony of Lesotho.
What names has this breed used?
It was first called the Nooitgedacht Pony, later the Nooitgedacht Horse, and is now called the Nooitgedachter.
Is the Nooitgedachter common?
No. It is described as rare, with about 400 purebreds in existence.
What is the Nooitgedachter bred to do?
The facts identify it as a riding horse breed.
More horse breeds from South Africa
Boer pony South Africa Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain 
Boer Pony South Africa Photo: My Own Photograph · Public domain Photo credits2 photographs on this page
- Boer pony — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain · file page
- Boer Pony — My Own Photograph · Public domain · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.