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Rare &
Endangered Breeds
The aim of this section is to
help promote less well known or endangered breeds. If you know of a breed which
should be featured in the is section please let us know: info@equiworld.com
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The
Sorraia Horse
The Sorraia horse is a primitive horse of
South Iberia, not a breed for all we know, but a subspecies. Its discoverer,
the Portuguese scientist Ruy d'Andrade, believed it to be a direct descendant
of an Iberian wild horse, and the main ancestor of the Andalusian, Lusitano,
and Barb horses. Horses of Sorraia type were depicted in prehistoric cave
paintings in South Iberia, like the one in Escoural (Portugal) and La Pileta
(Spain). The population in 2000 numbers only around 200 head. To learn more
about this fascinating horse click
here |
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The
Tiger Horse
Does it have stripes? Does it roar instead of neigh?
Well no, but the Tiger Horse is
certainly worth roaring about!
El Caballo Tigre has a long proud
history which stretches back into the mists of antiquity in Spain, and, in the
New World, changed the course of history for Native Americans. These smooth
riding, colorful horses have come down to today in sheltered pockets almost
unchanged. For more information on the Tiger Horse,
click here
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The
Skyros Pony
The law in Skyros does not permit the Skyrian ponies to leave
the island and there is great concern about their future.
A census last year revealed 140 ponies left on Skyros, but not all are
pure-bred!!! If you have an outbreak of African horse sickness or something
similar on the island of Skyros, the entire population will be wiped out.
Hopefully this will not happen, but still there is great danger that the breed
will slowly but surely cease to exist.
To find out more about the Skyros ponies and their plight
click here. |
The Eriskay Pony
The Eriskay Pony is the last survivor of the
native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland. Its origins are ancient,
certainly with Celtic and Norse connections. Although numerous in previous
centuries, numbers decreased dramatically around the beginning of 19th century.
Eventually, only a handful remained on the small island of Eriskay, which lies
between South Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The last survivors of this
ancient breed have become inextricably identified with this tiny island, hence
the name Eriskay Pony. These ponies are still more rare than a giant panda - to
find out more click
here. |
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The Exmoor
Pony
Exmoor ponies are listed as "Endangered" on the Rare
Breeds Survival Trust list and of major concern, in addition to the low
numbers, are the few bloodlines remaining and therefore little genetic
diversity.
Exmoor Ponies need support, emphasis must be on increasing and preserving the
ponies natural environment and producing a breeding programme to ensure a sound
genetic base for the future of the breed.
To find out more about Exmoors click
here. |
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The Cleveland Bay
The Cleveland Bay is the oldest British
Breed of horse in the UK, dating back from Medieval times, and is sadly now one
of the rarest breeds in Britain, rating Critical on the Rare Breeds Survival
list. The horse stands between 15.3hh and 17.hh in height. To find out more
click here. |
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