WORLD HORSE DAY CELEBRATED IN STYLE AT HISTORIC THABA BOSIU
Lesotho joined the international community in celebrating World Horse Day with a vibrant cultural event at the historic Thaba Bosiu, highlighting the enduring significance of the Basotho Pony as a symbol of national identity, heritage and tourism.
World Horse Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2025 and was first commemorated on 11 July 2025 to recognize the remarkable partnership between horses and humanity and their contribution to culture, agriculture, sustainable development and tourism.
Lesotho’s inaugural celebration was initiated by BI Sky Business Inc. in partnership with the Thaba Bosiu Tourism Development Association, with support from the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), Melesi Lodge and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service.
The event attracted horse riding associations from Thaba Bosiu and Metolong, whose riders participated in a ceremonial horseback parade from Sentebale to the LECSA Church at Thaba Bosiu. Dressed in the unique red Seanamarena blankets endorsed by Principal Chief Khoabane Theko and adopted by the Thaba Bosiu community as a symbol of local identity, the riders showcased impressive horsemanship.
Horse riders, sandwiched Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC)vehicle from the and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), led a captivating procession that drew the admiration of spectators and visitors alike. The celebration featured speeches, traditional Basotho praise poetry (Lithoko), cultural performances, horse displays and horseback rides for tourists, offering visitors an authentic Basotho tourism experience.
Speaking on behalf of the Thaba Bosiu Tourism Development Association, Mr. Mojaki Moqalane said the association was established with the support of LTDC after recognizing Thaba Bosiu’s immense tourism potential as the birthplace of the Basotho nation. He noted that the area’s historical significance and surrounding attractions provide a strong foundation for sustainable tourism development. He added that the association includes pony trekking operators whose participation demonstrated the growing importance of equine tourism.
Representing the equestrian community, Ralebenya Khomoeamajoe reflected on the historic role of horses in Basotho society, noting that since the time of King Moshoeshoe I they have served as an essential means of transport, supported agriculture and today continue to create tourism opportunities by enabling visitors to access remote scenic and cultural sites. He concluded by leading fellow riders in traditional Basotho horse praise poetry.
On behalf of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, the Police -Lance Sergeant R. Rammei proposed that future World Horse Day celebrations be aligned with the annual celebrations of His Majesty King Letsie III’s Birthday on 17 July to create a larger national tourism and cultural event. He also condemned horse abuse and urged owners to ensure proper animal welfare through good care, clean equipment, regular horseshoeing and responsible maintenance. He emphasized that horses create economic opportunities for rural communities by giving tourists access to destinations beyond the reach of vehicles while also promoting healthy outdoor recreation.
Historian Mr. Moorosi Moshoeshoe of Lenaka la Mohlomi traced the history of the Basotho Pony to the era of King Moshoeshoe I and Chief Moorosi, explaining that horses played a vital role during conflicts involving the British and Boer forces. He said they became enduring symbols of courage, resilience and national pride.
Speaking on behalf of the event sponsors, Mrs. ‘Mateboho Keta described the celebration as a historic milestone and thanked LTDC and all partners for making Lesotho’s first World Horse Day celebration a success. She noted that horses have enormous potential to create employment while preserving an important aspect of Basotho identity.
Event organizer Motlatsi Tsatsi of BI Sky Business Inc. said his lifelong passion for horses began when his late father gave him his first horse. Following the establishment of World Horse Day, he envisioned Lesotho joining the global celebration because of the unique place of the Basotho Pony in the country’s heritage. He noted that the Basotho Pony is featured on Lesotho’s Coat of Arms and symbolizes unity, endurance and resilience. He added that developing horse tourism could significantly improve rural livelihoods and stimulate local economic growth.
Delivering remarks on behalf of LTDC, Acting Public Relations Manager Mr. Molapo Matela described the Basotho Pony as one of Lesotho’s most distinctive tourism assets. He explained that LTDC deliberately incorporated the image of a horse with its head lowered into its corporate identity to symbolize humility, patience, resilience and the enduring spirit of the Basotho people.
Mr. Matela said the Basotho Pony offers visitors memorable opportunities to explore Lesotho’s spectacular mountain landscapes, remote villages and cultural heritage sites while engaging with local communities and experiencing authentic Basotho traditions. He reaffirmed LTDC’s commitment to promoting horse tourism as a niche tourism product and pledged to work with stakeholders to make World Horse Day an annual event on Lesotho’s tourism calendar.
The inaugural celebration concluded on a high note, with stakeholders expressing confidence that World Horse Day will become one of Lesotho’s flagship tourism events, attracting both local and international visitors while celebrating the country’s rich equestrian heritage and creating lasting income-generating opportunities for Basotho communities.
