12 Rarest Horse Breeds in the World

The Suffolk Punch horse is a type of heavy-draught horse that can be traced all the way back to 1768. This breed was commonly used for working the land or carting goods due to having strong legs and a very muscular build and were very popular before World War One. Since then, the mechanisation of agriculture has left the numbers of this breed of horse to dwindle down to less than 300 in the UK, putting them in a 'critical' state and making them more endangered than the Giant Panda. 

The oldest breed of horse in England, the Cleveland Bay horse dates back to before records began. Originally called the Chapmen horse, its current moniker comes from the breed's popularity in the Cleveland district of Yorkshire as well as their colour. Initially these horses were used for carrying goods due to being strong and muscular before finding a new use as carriage driving horses, set by Queen Elizabeth I. Unfortunately, the numbers of this breed have gone down dramatically, leaving less than 300 in the UK. Queen Elizabeth II is helping to revive the breed in popularity slightly, but this breed is still classed as endangered.

This breed of horses found in the Newfoundland and Labrador province of Canada actually originate from a mix of English, Irish and Scottish breeds that were transported overseas with Western settlers in the area. These horses were a popular type of work horse due to being strong and muscular but today are mostly used as family horses for riding and shown at horse shows. This breed is critically endangered and the worldwide population of this breed is between only 200-250 altogether! Due to its endangered status, this horse is now protected under Newfoundland and Labrador law for its protection.

The American Cream horse is very distinctive in terms of appearance with its absolutely gorgeous champagne/cream coloured coat and amber eyes. Its beautiful appearance, however, hasn't stopped them from becoming endangered as agriculture became more mechanised over the 20th century. Part of the reason for the downfall in population was the fact they were only developed at the beginning of the 20th century, coinciding with changing farming habits, leaving us with a worldwide population of less than 2,000. Being the only draft breed horse native to the United States, it is important this breed is protected! 

Originally known as the Western Isle Ponies, this lovely breed is native to the Hebridian Islands in Scotland and are known for their calm temperament and how well adapted they are to the harsh, cold conditions in the far north of the UK. These ponies were, and arguably still are, very important to the islanders, being used to carry seaweed, pull carts and even take children to school. Nowadays the amount of these beautiful creatures has fallen to less than 300. They are making a comeback, however, due to conservation efforts and their use in equine therapy. 

This ancient breed of horse has been found in art works that date back to around 3000 B.C making them one of the world's oldest horse breeds that are still around today. This horse is considered a national treasure in Iran where the breed originates from and was actually considered extinct for 1,300 years until a couple of researchers discovered some living in the wild in Iran in 1965. Due to conservation efforts their numbers are steadily rising but they are still considered one of the rarest horse breeds around today.

This elegant breed is famous for its athleticism, ability to trot at impressive speeds for long periods of time, and are known as 'the ballerinas of the show ring' due to how well they perform in showjumping and dressage. Developed in the 14th century in Norfolk UK, their purpose was pulling carriages and they quickly became a status symbol for the rich and wealthy. They eventually were used for harness racing in the 19th century but fell out of fashion when horse requirements made this breed unfavourable. Today the Hackney breed population is in a 'critical' state with fewer than 300 left. 

The Highland pony is a native horse breed to Scotland and is known for being a sturdy and economically viable horse to keep. These ponies are characterised by their double thick coat and long flowing manes that help to keep them warm even in the coldest of weather. These ponies have been used for a variety of purposes over time including general farm work, driving and for military use. Though they are still used in areas of the highlands inaccessible to machines they are not as popular as they used to be and as a result their numbers have fallen to between 500-900.

Named as 'working class heroes' in the UK, these horses are considered quintessentially British and have served many uses throughout their history, including general farm work, military use, rubbish collection, and even pulling royal carriages. Their placid temperament and strong build have inspired many and served as inspirations for 'War Horse' as well as George Orwell's novel 'Animal Farm'. Today they are considered critically endangered with warnings that they could soon disappear altogether from Britain within the next 10 years if they are not duly protected. 

If you don't want to see these beautiful creatures disappear from the face of the planet, have a look into joining a conservation society or providing donations to help further their work to protect these beautiful, rare breeds.