BREEDS OF HOY: THE NOOITGEDACHT
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Text: HQ Magazine and The Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Society
Even though the Nooitgedachter might not be as visually recognisable as the American Saddler, Arabian or Friesian, their non-visible traits are by far their greatest attributes. The Nooitgedachter is prized for his temperament, affection towards humans, hardiness, structural integrity, surefootedness, trainability, work ethic and absolute adaptation to the South African environment.
History
From its humble beginnings in the 1940s as the Basotho Pony Project to the esteemed breed it is today, the Nooitgedachter stands as a remarkable achievement in South African equine history.
Did you know?
The breed owes its name to the name of the Department of Agriculture Experimental-Farm, Nooitgedacht, in the Ermelo region.
Historically, the Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Society recognises four time periods that roughly coincide with the four genetic infusions into the breed: the Foundation Phase (1952-1964), the Consolidation Phase (1965-1975), the Expansion Phase (1975-1990), and the Modern Era (2000 onwards).
The Foundation Phase (1952-1964)
The Foundation Phase saw the selection of suitable breeding stock, and details of this phase were recorded meticulously by the Department of Agriculture. This phase was critical in establishing the genetic basis and breed standard we still see today. As the project was state-run, top animal experts and vets made breeding decisions based on the scientific methodology of the day. However, the selection criteria were so stringent (only 1 in 4 of the horses bred made it to breed the next generation), that the already small genetic pool was confronted with the realities of inbreeding from very early on.
The original stock was bought from Jan Cloete, all of which were related to the stallion Punch. Later on, the breeding team acquired similar but unrelated stock from Mr Willemse, which can be seen as the first genetic infusion.
Although the numbers were still low, creative breeding strategies maximised the potential of this initial stock, paving the way for the next phase.
The Consolidation Phase (1965-1975)
The Consolidation Phase saw the birth of eight daughter studs. These studs were identified to increase the number and serve as reservoirs for the stud still at Nooitgedacht to source stock as needed.
Within three years of the first eight daughter studs becoming active, the stock multiplying became so successful that another four daughter studs were established.
Because of the rapid increase in numbers, the need to use genetic donors again became a reality, leading to the second infusion with Arabian stallion, Rommel, and Arabian x Boerperd stallion, Defence.
This second infusion ultimately resulted in slightly larger animals with more refinement without compromising the Nooitgedacter’s prized attributes.
The Expansion Phase (1975-1999)
The Expansion Phase lasted until the end of the 90s and was a very successful time for the breed. Ponies were popular and fetched high prices. The improvements in the breed saw many Nooitgedachters making a name in the showing, dressage, eventing and showjumping disciplines. Many Nooitgedachters worked on farms in the week and went showing and eventing on the weekend. Nooities even made an impression on the endurance scene back when the tracks were slower and more technical.
The third infusion saw many attempts using different breeds. Today, almost none of the Quarter Horse or Hackney descendants remain, but the two studs that successfully bred Arabian and Warmblood donors up to SP level, as well as the SA Boerperd/A2 line attempt, had some representation. However, SA Studbook’s analysis shows that less than 2% of this outside blood has stood the test of time.
Ultimately, in the 1990s, the Nooitgedacht Breeders once again became uneasy due to the ever-present threat of inbreeding. Recommendations were made to investigate the Spanish horse as a potential genetic donor that would not dilute any critical traits. However, the cost of importing a horse was just not feasible for the breeders at the time, and the idea was shelved.
The Modern Era
The Modern Era, especially since the 2010s, marks a period of rising interest in the breed. However, the number of breeders is still relatively low and spread throughout southern Africa; thus, Nooitgedachter’s demand outstrips its supply.
Beware!
Many falsely claim the breed when selling horses. To ensure you are getting what you paid for, it is handy to know the following: all Nooitgedachters will have a brand on their left shoulder depicting a line diagram of a Basotho hat. The brand indicates that the horse/pony has passed inspection and may breed the next generation of Nooitgedachters. Alternatively, the seller must provide proof of foal-book registry and DNA verification of parentage. If not, you are probably being taken for a ride (pun intended).
Many of the studs are currently being taken over by the younger generation, and because of the renewed interest in the breed, there has been substantial growth in recent times.
Finally, the vision of the breeders of the 1990s has been set in motion, and the results from the first Iberian stallions used look promising. The Iberian project as an infusion project is the brainchild of Braam Olivier, who acquired top Lusitano stallions (a Portuguese Iberian breed known for bullfighting) to breed to his Logan line-bred Nooitgedacht broodmare base. The other avenue for bringing in Iberian blood, using Candice Hobday’s Calvero Esclavo FM (PRE Andalusian), was the more traditional up-grade breeding used by Maret Van Rensburg and the late Lizelle Smit. The first mentioned avenue will result in a higher percentage of donor genetic material but much more risk and cost to the breeder. The second avenue is a slower progression resulting in less risk to the breeder but a steadier impact on the population as a whole. Both options have their pros and cons, but the Nooitgedacht Constitution makes provision for both, and there is no risk of the breed losing its identity in either scenario.
Breed standard
“The Nooitgedacht should first and foremost carry a golden thread of hardiness, toughness, bravery, ride- and train-ability, as well as a remarkably even-keeled temperament.
Nooitgedachts may range between 13.3hh and 16.2hh. There are definite pony and horse-sized variations within the breed. They should have great weight carrying capacity. Depending on conformation, a 14.1hh Nooitgedacht can carry a 70-80kg person without detriment to their soundness.
As with most working breeds, form must follow function, and certain conformation characteristics are not necessarily different from those of other working breeds. The horse should be well proportioned, with a sloping shoulder, a similarly sloping hip, and a short but well-muscled back. Nooitgedachts need to have a level or uphill appearance when seen in profile. A deep heart girth is preferred and indicates good lung capacity and stamina. A hindquarter that steps easily under the body and can fold to take the brunt of the rider’s weight is a very sought-after trait.
Legs must be clean, dry and straight. Short cannons and somewhat shorter pasterns are needed to handle rough terrain. Medium-sized hooves must be tough, hard and somewhat more upright (in line with the pastern angle), with a higher heel than in some other breeds. This enables a horse to navigate rocky terrain better and to stay sound over such terrain.
A somewhat higher neck set, than for instance in a Quarter Horse, is preferred, carrying a relatively small but noble head. Ears should be refined and alert. There should be ample space between large, expressive, soft eyes; giving the impression of a broad forehead but still running into a finer muzzle. Lips must be fine and dry. Jowls must not be overly big, causing a pinched look.
Flashy white markings are traditionally not preferred because pink skin is more prone to sunburn. Different shades of black, bay, chestnut, grey, palomino and buckskin (i.e., solid colours) can be registered. Because Nooitgedachts need to be able to survive outside 24/7, unpigmented skin is frowned upon somewhat. A horse carrying little to no white markings would have been the traditional ideal, but this has changed in recent years. Double dilutes, paints, LP-gene carriers, and blue-eyed horses are not permitted to be registered.
Everything about the Nooitgedacht should be functional, utilitarian, but elegant. The type of horse you know won’t break when needed to do farm work, but is still beautiful and versatile enough to show on weekends.” – The Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Society
Movement
“Movement should be economical, sure-footed, effortless and floating. Breeders that needed a work horse over tough terrain, found that a horse that knows how to use his body stays sound in such environments. The horse should find it effortless to climb mountainous terrain as well as extend their gait on the flat to make short change of long distances.
Because of their Basuto and Cape Horse ancestry, the Nooitgedacht may be gaited. Even though the rack and tripple are not a pre-requisite or seen these days so much in the show ring; the extra gaits come in handy when needing to cover great distances over rugged terrain. With the extra gaits a horse always has one hoof on the ground, making for a more stable and surefooted traveling experience.
The Nooitgedacht should find it easy to collect and extend in all gaits because of their balanced conformation. For this reason, they are also doing very well in dressage, western dressage, and showing.”– The Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Society.
The Breed Society
The Nooitgedacht Breeders’ Society was proudly established in 1954 to assist the Department of Agriculture in its mandate of safeguarding and improving South Africa’s dwindling stock of hardy Basotho Ponies through a breeding project at the Nooitgedacht Research Station near Ermelo.
A supply of tough indigenous horses that are completely adapted and able to withstand South Africa’s diseases, climate, and tough terrain while also being flashy and athletic enough to hold their own in a show ring is a resource that must be protected for future generations.
After more than 70 years, the Society can be exceptionally proud of what it has achieved through scientific and selective breeding, dedication, and perseverance. The breed’s future looks bright, with a core of dedicated breeders and newer breeders as well. The aim is not to overstock the market but to focus on top quality genetics and quality production of riding prospects.
Final thoughts
The Nooitgedachter is one of South Africa’s truly indigenous horse breeds and is a testament to the dedication of a community of like-minded and passionate individuals who ensure the survival of these remarkable horses.