Two rare horse breeds are in danger of extinction

A watchlist shows rare equine breeds need urgent support

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is a charity that works to save and safeguard the future of rare and native livestock and equine breeds. They have highlighted on their yearly watchlist the worrying information that the Eriskay pony and the Suffolk horse are currently the two most endangered equine breeds in the UK. These findings are from last year’s spring and early summer foaling season.

The Eriskay pony sadly only has three registered foals, and considering they are known to be a strong and hardy breed from the Scottish Western Isles, it has surprised the RBST with how little they have bred.

Similarly, the Suffolk horse, broadly known as the oldest native heavy horse breed in the UK, has seen fewer males siring foals, again very concerning for their population numbers and the breed’s genetic diversity, especially due to their heritage. This means both rare breeds are now in the priority category of the RBST watchlist.

In more positive news, there are other rare equine breeds who are starting to populate. The Dartmoor pony has moved down on the watchlist’s categories to the ‘at risk’ section, as the Dartmoor pony’s genetic diversity has seen an increase. Likewise, the New Forest pony has echoed this trend with welcoming stability in the breed.

RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price said: “For some of our rare equines the number of breeders has been increasing steadily, thanks to a strong equine market and growing appreciation of these breeds’ unique characteristics and range of important modern uses, from forestry and conservation grazing to the showring and riding schools.

“However, the picture remains very concerning for some of our rarest breeds, particularly the Eriskay pony and the Suffolk horse. We are also keeping a close watch on emerging impacts of the economic downturn, especially for the small pony breeds.”

For more information on how you can support the RBST and see the full list of rare breeds, visit rbst.org.uk