How many endangered horse breeds do you know of? There are many horses around the world. In fact, it is estimated that there are about 60 million horses in the world. Spread across many different breeds. But how do all these breeds fare? In this article, we take a closer look at some of the less numerous breeds that are actually endangered.
The list of endangered animals is growing by the minute. According to the WWF World Wide Fund for Nature, there are currently 1 million endangered species worldwide. Many of us know that animals such as tigers, elephants and orangutans are endangered. And that there are not many of them left. But what about our dear horses? There are actually some horse breeds that today belong to the category of endangered. Let us take a look at some of these breeds.
Status: Endangered
Estimated global population: less than 5,000
The Clydesdale originates from Scotland and is a heavy horse breed. The breed is often used as a draft horse. It is a strong and hardy horse, with a calm and friendly temperament.
Status: Critically endangered
Estimated global population: 800
The Exmoor pony is one of the purest pony breeds and therefore very reminiscent of its ancestors. There are still approx. 150 wild exmoor ponies on Exmoor in South East England. And it is the breed that lives as wild horses in Denmark. The few domesticated that are left are mostly used as riding ponies for walks and children.
Status: Critically endangered
Estimated global population: not known for sure, but it is estimated that there are approx. 600 in the United States and 200 in England.
Suffolk punch is one of the breeds that actually increases in numbers at the moment. They are often used by breweries or for exhibition and a few of them are still used in agriculture.
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Status: Endangered
Estimated global population: less than 6,000
The Fell pony has previously been used as a herd and cargo pony. But today it is used primarily as a riding pony, for example as a tour horse for tourists in England. It lends itself particularly well to this because of its kind and willing mind, which, however, still has some determination.
Status: Critically endangered
Estimated global population: 2-3,000
The Dartmoor pony fell sharply in numbers during World War II when the area of Dartmoor was shut off. When the war ended, only 2 stallions and 12 mares were found. Breeders struggled to raise the stock and now Dartmoor is seen as a really good riding pony for children.
Status: Threatened
Estimated global population: 3000 (in 2019)
The Shire horse is the world's tallest horse breed and is often around 170-180 cm or more. The largest horse ever is measured at 219 cm and weighed as fully grown about 1,524 kg.
HESTE: Illustreret opslagsværk, 2005, forlaget Aktium