The mountainous enclave of Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa, though its national identity is unique.

Rightfully known as the Kingdom in the Sky, Lesotho has the highest lowest point of any country in the world, and is the only country that is entirely above 1000 meters. In fact, over 80 percent of the country lies at an elevation of more than 1800 meters, and it is largely characterized by the jagged peaks and fertile valleys of the Drakensberg. Although the country’s snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys have often been likened to hose of Switzerland, there is no mistaking its cultural heritage.

Basotho ponies are world-renowned for their agility, hardy frames, docility and stamina. The foundation breed is believed to be the Cape horse, which was a Java horse of strong Persian and Arab descent. Cape horses were first brought to southern Africa by the Dutch East India Company in 1652; though they did not appear in Lesotho until the early eighteenth century, when they were captured form the Zulu and the Boers. Today it is estimated that there are over 100,000 Basotho ponies in Lesotho, the majority of which are used for transport through the rugged terrain.