Basotho Pony for sale

One of the main reasons why the Basotho Pony is preferred is because it has the ability to withstand difficult terrains and climates. As a result it was often used as a transportation horse, wherein it carried goods across rugged terrains and even endured bad climate. It was also considered to be an ideal horse for activities such as draft work and trekking.

The Basotho Pony is found in South Africa, in Lesotho. The primarily use for this breed is riding and this was because of its agility and strength to carry goods and people over long distances. It is thought that the Basotho Pony is a descendant of the Cape Horse. It terms of its movement, it has a natural pace and with unusual triple gaits. Distinct physical characteristics are it long neck, straight back and is built, which makes it move speedily and furiously through difficult terrain.

The Basotho Pony first came to the attention of Europeans in the year 1850. During the 1900 Anglo War, they came into more prominent because of their ability to move speedily through difficult areas to reach to the destination. In the 1899-1902 Anglo-Boer War it is noted that about 30,000 Basotho Pony Horses were sent to war. Such was the value placed n their strength and endurance.

Unfortunately after the war, ponies from the losing side were gelded and as a result, the number of this breed dwindled. Cross breeding further contributed to its deterioration. The result of this caused them to faced extinction by the mid twentieth century. In 1973, a movement was started to save them from extinction and this effort provided the breed with an environment that helped them to grow, but still much progress still needs to be done.