From Horse

The Basotho Pony, also called Basuto is native to an enclave of South Africa called Lesotho. An inhospitable climate, high altitude and steep terrain have created an incredibly tough little animal.

This breed comes from the Cape Horse of South Africa which are of Java pony background. They do display influence of Persian, Arabian and Thoroughbred blood, although it is unclear if it was introduced to the animals prior to being imported to the area or later to enhance bloodlines.