A number of equine breeds across the globe are struggling to survive. Read about some of our most precious, beautiful and threatened horses and ponies.

When the words ‘endangered’ and ‘threatened species’ are uttered, the mind tends to turn to exotic animals such as the Sumatran tiger, the giant panda and the Iberian lynx. Horses and ponies are not usually thought of, by the general population, as being rare. However, there are a number of beautiful and unique equine breeds that are teetering on the brink of extinction and are in desperate need of assistance.

The Eriskay Pony

Sadly, this stocky, friendly little pony is critically endangered.

The Eriskay Pony is a relatively small animal, standing at only 124-138cm high. The most common colour is grey, although browns and blacks can occasionally be found. They are great children's ponies, with amiable temperaments, and excel at anything from cross-country jumping to casual hacking around.

Eriskay Ponies originate from the Western Isles of Scotland, so they are incredibly hardy with thick, waterproof coats to protect them from the harsh wind, rain and cold. Until the middle of the 19th century, they could be found throughout the Scottish islands. They were used as all-round ponies, undertaking everyday tasks such as carrying peat and seaweed in baskets slung over their backs, pulling carts, harrowing fields and carrying around various members of the family.

As machines began to take over, and there was less need for real horse power, the number of pure animals dwindled to about twenty. However, with the assistance of groups such as the Eriskay Pony Society, numbers have risen steadily and there are now 420 Eriskays worldwide.

More information on the Eriskay Pony can be found at the Eriskay Pony Society.

The Cleveland Bay

This beautiful equine is also listed on the critically endangered list, with around 500 individuals registered worldwide. They are strong and substantial but still retain a huge amount of quality. This means that they cross superbly with thoroughbreds to produce sports and show horses that are both stunningly beautiful and powerful.

The Cleveland Bay, not surprisingly, originates from the Cleveland area of North East England. Years ago, they were very popular as carriage horses. They were also used as artillery horses in World War I, which had a devastating impact on their population.

You can read more about the Cleveland Bay by visiting the Cleveland Bay Alliance.

The Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch, another ancient English breed, is one of the oldest and rarest of the heavy horses, dating back to the early 1500s. In the past, this robust animal was used to plough fields and pull artillery and omnibuses. Like many of the rare equine breeds, the increasing use of technology and machines dealt a harsh blow.

They measure 15.3 to 16.1 hands (about 162cm to 167cm) and the only coat colour permitted in the stud book is chestnut.

The Carolina Marsh Tacky

The Carolina Marsh Tacky, a good tempered, quiet horse, sometimes referred to as the Marsh Tacky Horse, is in great danger of becoming extinct. They are native to South Carolina and records of them can be found from over 400 years ago. They come in a wide variety of coat colours and markings, including dorsal stripes and zebra markings on the legs.

The Marsh Tacky was very prevalent during colonial times and also incredibly popular with Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw and the Cherokees.

There are very few Marsh Tacky Horses, with only 100-150 left. Dedicated breeders and enthusiasts are currently making huge efforts to stop the Marsh Tacky from sliding into oblivion. A stud book is under development and many individuals are calling for the Marsh Tacky to be made South Carolina's state horse.

Saving Our Heritage

Many of the world's most endangered horses and ponies suffered as a result of mechanisation. They were made redundant as they were no longer needed to transport people, plough fields or carry supplies. However, these special breeds, although not needed for their original purpose, can often be trained to be fantastic sports or leisure horses. It would be a great shame if these animals, that played such a large part in developing society as we know it, were now forgotten and pushed aside.

Find out more rare and unusual horse breeds by reading this article on 'Flemish Horses and Clydesdales' and this piece on 'Heritage Breeds'.