Some Good News For Rare Breed Numbers

The latest figures on numbers of atrisk breeds show both positive and worrying trends in Great Britain

- Lucy Elder

The latest figures on endangered equines “shine a light” on the efforts of those working to save at-risk breeds.

There are 12 equine breeds on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) 2020/21 watch list, five of those in the “critical” category, meaning there are fewer than 300 breeding females.

There is good news among some more worrying figures, with several of the most endangered breeds showing positive signs of stabilising and, in some cases, increasing their numbers.

“This year’s watch list shines a light on the great efforts of rare-equine breeders working alongside RBST,” trust CEO Christopher Price told H&H.

“It is great to see that, three years into our heavy horse campaign, their numbers are stable with some breeds such as the Suffolk showing an increase.”

He added there is also positive news for the Cleveland Bay, which has an estimated 98 breeding females registered in total.

“In 2019, 18 [new] females were registered, whereas in 2016 just five were,” Mr Price said.