ABOUT US: JOIN US:
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.
Paid memberships are open! Please register with the form and we will contact you with payment details.
As we are part way through our financial year, the first public subscriptions are just HALF PRICE, a great way to get involved with us at a discounted price.
(For those who paid in 2024 there is no charge for this year.)
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. 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 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.
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.
Liselle Silver - President of the Society speaks to the Equine Life Podcast about the vision for our society.
2025 - 2026 IS HALF PRICE FOR PART YEAR SUB
$15 ADULT. $5 CHILD. $10 CLUB/ASSOCIATION
Renewals are due by 1 April 2026
TO JOIN:
Q&A with Society President Liselle Silver
What can members expect from membership?
We hold a monthly meeting currently every first Tuesday evening of the month at 7PM. All members are welcome and it is held virtually so all can attend.
Currently our meetings have mostly discussed the planning of events, and tasks required to run the society. However, as we grow I would like to see our members splitting off into smaller groups to focus on certain tasks that interest them and play to their strengths. Our monthly meetings will become a general meeting to touch base with everyone and raise ideas and concerns and report on how each task force is going with their projects.
We would like to continue making an impact across the globe among similar associations. Some projects we would like to tackle in the coming future include:
A welfare project that tackles the issue of ideal weight and the authorities ability to accurately assess heavier breeds for body score at call outs for neglect cases.
Setting up educational resources for breeders to provide the best current advice and networks for successful breedings
Linking breeders together wishing to import straws to share tank and shipping costs and potentially even the semen itself
OUR MEMBERS WILL ENJOY:
Priority inclusion at rare horse displays such as Equifest, EquiSouth and various A&P shows. Reduced penning fees if they apply to the event.
Opportunities to spearhead a local display with guidance from the Founding members and seasoned planners. Or to help out planning and executing the existing and developing displays.
Free advertisement for your stud or business on our site if horse related.
A great network of likeminded people to help you find others interested in your breed, to purchase, collaborate, guide or engage your expertise, all of which helps your favourite breeds to grow in NZ and globally.
What do we expect from our members?
Spread the word!
Help fundraise where possible
Uphold good stewardship with your breed, presenting healthy animals and ensuring long futures for the breed.
RARE HORSE SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND LTD
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.
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.
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.
This website is a work in progress. Please reach out to correct and update information. We would like to feature great educational videos, photos of real horses proving their versatility and strengths, accurate preservation status numbers, news on the breeds from NZ and overseas, up to date contacts, links to websites, registries and associated entities for the breeds and more. In some instances placeholder or international images have been used where some nice local horses could be, we use what we can find at the time (hopefully without getting in trouble). We appreciate images supplied if you have any New Zealand based images.