The Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s (RBST) Equine Conservation Project has revealed encouraging trends in demand for native UK horse and pony breeds, especially those used for riding, driving, and conservation grazing. Based on surveys of nearly 400 breeders, the research highlights a committed breeder community focused on conservation rather than commercial gain, with 44% reporting growing market demand. However, breeders face challenges such as limited access to artificial insemination (AI) services, stallions, and genetic tools, alongside a need for greater promotion and public visibility of native breeds beyond traditional show settings.

The project also identified welfare concerns, noting that despite strong commitment to good care, knowledge gaps and economic pressures continue to pose risks to horses nationwide. Native breeds face additional threats from declining traditional knowledge, prompting RBST to recommend accessible, practical welfare education on feeding, weight management, turnout, and pain recognition. Collaborative efforts to improve guidance consistency and reach are seen as vital to enhancing the sustainability and welfare standards of the UK’s irreplaceable native horse and pony breeds.