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Horses around the world: 8 of the endangered breeds

endangerered breeds
endangerered breeds

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.

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1 million endangered species

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.

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Endangered horse breeds

Clydesdale

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The Clydesdale has been used a lot as a draft horse, for example in breweries. Photo: Archive.

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.

Exmoor

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Exmoor Ponies retain some wild qualities, but can also be wonderful family ponies. Photo: Archive.

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.

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Suffolk punch

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Suffolk punch is seen as a small workhorse, but is still very strong and hardworking. Photo: Archive.

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.

You may also like to read: The Icelandic horse: A versatile and friendly legend

Newfoundland

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Some people claim that Newfoundland ponies have a personality that is reminiscent of dogs. Photo: Archive.

Status: Critically endangered

Estimated global population: less than 400

The Newfoundland ponies are very friendly and curious. At the same time they are very clever and therefore also relatively easy to train.

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Fell

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Some places Fell ponies are still used to herd sheps. Photo: Archive.

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.

Dartmoor

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Dartmoor is primarily used as a riding pony for children or for driving. Photo: Archive.

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.

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Shire

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The Shire has often been used as a driving horse - both for shows and in agriculture. Photo: Archive.

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.

Lipizzaner

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Almost all lipizzans are dapple, and over time turn white. Photo: Archive.

Status: Endangered

Estimated global population: 3,000

The Lipizzaner is known for doing shows at the Spanish Riding School, for example, and they have also been popular in circuses around the world.

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SOURCES

HESTE: Illustreret opslagsværk, 2005, forlaget Aktium

The Livestock ConservancyConservation Priority List

Equus Survival Rrust2021 Equine Conservation List

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