Discover the Rare Horse Society of New Zealand

FUTURE PROJECTS & GOALS:

Adding Rare Horse displays to existing events such as A&P shows and horse expo type events. Creating whole new events that support breed promotion. Carving out niches for rare horses to partake in existing events.

Preserving and recovering breeds that are globally rare which reside in New Zealand including Timor Pony, Hackney Horse/Pony and Shire.

Creating a network to connect buyers, breeders, researchers and show planners.

Assisting breed affiliates to set up breed societies to secure their breeds futures. To serve as a similar interim entity for breeds not yet ready to form their own society.

Make New Zealand one of the world's well known rare breed horse hot-spots. A place where people set up breed conservation pockets in our safe, secure country.

Creating a website knowledge hub around the various breeds, where to buy one, where to test ride one or meet one. Information about grass management, diets, training, breeding and more. This should become a website people really use as a resource.

PRE REGISTER NOW for general membership via our contact page. We are currently in the early stages of setting up and are seeking key roles only.

Once registrations are open, we'll be in touch!

EXISTING ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Setting a World Record officially for the Largest Display of Rare Breeds of Horses in 2023 at the Otago Equine Expo Plus.

Arranged the largest horse display in Australasia in 2022 Canterbury New Zealand Agricultural Show and are underway planning this for 2023 as well as an exhibit at the Otago Equine Expo October 2023.

Gained interest from other NZ A&P associations.

Facilitated the DNA testing of NZ Timor Ponies.

Developed a growing network with overseas rare breed horse enthusiasts & preservation groups.

3 years of annual breed census counts.

We are looking for likeminded people to join us as board members and in key society roles who will uphold our values of preserving rare and native breeds, promoting excellent breed stewardship, pure breeding and knowledgeable grading up and breeding programs. Anyone is welcome to apply to join the Society once we are up and running.

We are hoping to find a good range of people from different backgrounds to join us.

Organised people to work with us to set up events local to you (we will help with the first ones in person, then hand the reins to you while providing support)

Motivated social media dwellers that want to promote the breeds online, drive engagement and growth for our page as well and help manage the website.

People with knowledge of breeding, herd management and maintaining genetic diversity to become experts on strategic grading up programs for highly critical breeds in NZ.

People with knowledge of the horse show and pony club worlds.

If none of those suit you but this is still an exciting idea for you that you're keen to get behind, please reach out. All who meet our values are welcome to apply to join us.

ANNUAL CENSUS COUNT

As the Equine Portfolio Holder of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of NZ I complete an annual census count of all horse breeds. This information is important to determine if the breeds are growing, in decline or holding stable.

As there was no portfolio when I began, it has been a long task and the table is still incomplete for some breeds.

With over 60 breeds being traced annually, I appreciate any help.

If you have knowledge of a breeds population in NZ and worldwide or know who is a good contact to try please reach out - Liselle Silver

OUR MISSION: The Rare Horse Society of New Zealand is dedicated to educating and promoting the rare horse breeds found in New Zealand. We aim to raise awareness about their dwindling numbers, the reasons behind their rarity, and the steps being taken to revive and preserve these unique breeds. Join us in our mission to protect and celebrate these extraordinary horses by:

WHAT IS A RARE BREED HORSE?

Firstly, we support breeds that are globally rare and may be critically endangered such as the Suffolk Punch, Cleveland Bay, Hackney and Timor Pony. Secondly, we support breeds that are under-represented in New Zealand but may be popular overseas.

CRITICAL - Less than 100 breeding females in NZ - Less than 2000 breeding females worldwide.

AT RISK - Less than 200 breeding females in NZ - Less than 4000 breeding females worldwide.

VULNERABLE - Less than 1000 breeding females in NZ - Less than 10,000 breeding females worldwide.

BREED OF INTEREST - Do not meet the criteria as a Rare Breed but are of genetic or historic interest. In New Zealand this is our Kaimanawa Heritage Horses that do not quite qualify as a Feral Landrace.

The breed generally requires a registry with some exceptions like the Timor Pony where one has never existed.

The horses must breed true and be able to duplicate themselves.

They must not be open to outside blood lines.

Breeds that can be 'created' with a single cross are not included. We do not include Sport Horses, Warlander, Morab & Drum Horses to name a few examples.

The registries must not accept horses that do not have the blood lines but still meet the correct 'type'.

We do not include mules as they are a hybrid and cannot be bred.

BREED

UNIQUE, HISTORIC, CLOSED GENE POOL, CONSISTENTLY REPRODUCES ITSELF, HAS SHARED FOUNDATION STOCK & SELECTION IS MANAGED & TRACED

PRESERVATION BREED

UNIQUE HISTORIC BREED, CLOSED GENE POOL PROTECTS ORIGINAL TRAITS

IE: PRE SPANISH HORSE

LEGACY BREED

HAS HAD (OR ALLOWS) SOME OUTSIDE INFLUENCE IN THE LAST 75 YEARS

IE: GYPSY COB

LANDRACE

GENETICALLY UNIQUE POPULATION, REPRODUCES ITSELF, SHAPED IN PART BY NATURAL SELECTION, ENVIRONMENT, USAGE & GEOGRAPHIC ISOLATION.

IE: ICELANDIC

FERAL LANDRACE

FREE ROAMING, UNIQUE LANDRACE SHAPED AT LEAST IN PART BY NATURAL SELECTION & GEOGRAPHICAL SECLUSION.

IE: KIGER MUSTANG

STATIONBRED

SEMI SELECTIVELY BRED. OPEN GENE POOL THOUGH BREEDING STOCK IS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED. FREQUENT INFLUENCE PREVENTS BREEDING PREDICTABLY.

DESIGNER BREEDS

NEW BREEDS NOT YET BREEDING TRUE. MAY BE A FIRST OR SECOND CROSS. OUTSIDE INFLUENCE IS REQUIRED OR ALLOWED.

TRIBAL BREED

DISTINCTIVE HISTORIC LANDRACE TYPE OR BREED WITH CLOSED GENE POOL DEVELOPED BY NATIVE AMERICANS

IE: NEZ PERCE

ESSENTIALLY EXTINCT

BREEDS WITH SUCH LOW NUMBERS IN NZ AND NO VIABLE LIVING BREEDING OPTIONS.

IE: HACKNEY BREEDS

WHY DO WE NEED A RARE HORSE SOCIETY?

A breed can become rare and then extinct in a very short time if nobody is watching. Individual Societies may work to preserve the breed numbers and keep them genetically healthy but this is not a sure thing.

We think a group specifically focusing on improving the opportunities for the horses and buyers to find each other and have more ways to enjoy their partnership will go a long way to making a decent difference.

28 horse breeds have gone extinct in our history for a variety of reasons most of which are the result of deliberate actions taken by humans. We think this is a real shame and hope to ensure no more breeds are lost to fashion, choice or 'being improved'.

We don't know what we might need horses for in the future so we must protect the vast range of genetics that centuries have developed for us.

We can start by breaking down the easy barriers such as people not knowing the breeds are here, or educating against common misconceptions and stereotypes about the breeds capabilities. Next we can fundraise for specific projects. The world is our oyster, we just need the support and determined and creative minds to join and help us. And the kind souls to donate.

RARE HORSE BREED DISPLAYS

Promotion of the rare horse breeds available in NZ by displaying them at existing events such as A&P shows and specialised horse events.

Currently we are always present annually at the New Zealand Agricultural Show based in Christchurch, November each year.

We have also had our first display at the Otago Equine Expo in Mosgiel, Otago in 2023.

First of all

Discover Rare Horse Breeds in New Zealand

Learn about the rare horse breeds residing in New Zealand. Learn about their origins, how many of each breed exist, when they arrived in the country, and their current global population.

Explore the challenges and opportunities these breeds face in thriving and preserving their heritage.

Discover where to find breeders and what they are like to own.

And let's not forget

Rare Horse Displays and Breed Promotion

Join us for captivating rare horse displays that showcase the unique qualities and talents of these extraordinary breeds. Witness their elegance, strength, and versatility as they represent their respective breeds. Support our efforts in promoting and preserving these rare horses for future generations.

EXPLORE OUR

Educational Hub

Delve into the fascinating world of horse ancestry, evolution, DNA, colour genetics and gaited horses.

Get advise on breeding, foaling, importing semen and more.

INTERNATIONAL NATIVE BREED SHOWCASE

Marwari - India

The Marwari is a breed native to India, characterised by their curly ears which almost touch.

An elegant medium height, strong horse with track record of bravery and loyalty in the battle fields of medieval period. Now famous for traveling long distances, have strong feet and hoof, has his home in the area called "Malani", part of Barmer district of Marwari.

The breed is maintained for breeding, travel, marriage ceremonies and personal interest. A good number of Marwari Horse can be seen in fairs of Pushkar, Tilwara and Naguar.

The bardic literature of Rajasthan speaks very high of Marwari Horses, of their heroic exploits, leaping up to Haudus of Elephant crossing over the high barrier walls of cities and forts. Few of the famous horses are "Chetak" of Maharana of Pabuji, and Veer Durga Dasji's horse "Arbud."

The world famous polo player Maharaj Prem Singh of Jodhpur has mentioned about few good polo ponies, Pig stickers, and long distance tonga ponies racing in his article "Great men and their great horses." According to the writer the Marwari horses has participated in Pig sticking, played Polo against thorough breeds.

It is difficult to exactly trace the origin of true Marwari horse with precision but undoubtedly it has connections with "Arab" and may have mixed with Turkmenian breed the horses of Alexander's army which were of this breed. However by selective breeding for the need of the warriors of the middle ages was evolved a breed which can survive well in difficult arid terrain. Their growing demand was in battle field of a indigenous breed for that the Marwari breed was evolved. A breed which could withstand intense heat and cold, could cover long distances with speed, and has hard strong hoof and feet.

The Marwari Horse is in decline along with all the native Indian breeds and discussion and planning is underway to raise their profile and uses in India under various preservation efforts.

If you visit India, be sure to try and find those supporting these breeds to support their endeavours.

It’s difficult to buy a Marwari horse outside of India. Equestrians who have their heart set on this breed should be prepared to pay a premium for their horse and may have to ship it quite some distance, when one finally becomes available.