Scientists warn of need to preserve genetics of native horse breeds
The unique genomic architecture of animal breeds need to be preserved, they say, as they represent monuments of the historical development of mankind.
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Rare breeds
Articles on rare equine breeds including the Suffolk Punch, Cleveland Bay, the Somali Wild Ass, Konik horses, Channel Island horses, and many more.
Rare breeds star at prestigious showing championships
British rare breeds dominated in the Supreme SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Your Horse Live Championship at the weekend, with Suffolk Punch and a Dales pony taking the top honours.
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Genetic testing shines light on origins of Akhal-Teke horse
The ancient breed from southern Turkmenistan is estimated to be at least 3000 years old.
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Genetic analysis shows good reason for conserving the Traditional Irish Horse
The Irish Sport Horse is genetically distinct from European Warmblood populations, researchers report.
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Revival of endangered spotted horse at heart of breeding efforts
The International Chaar Appaloosa Horse Association aims to increase the number of its purebred spotted horses to 60 by 2025 and to 130 by 2029.
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Charity puts spotlight on UK’s early workhorse, the Suffolk Punch
Known for their strong build and stamina, Suffolk Punch horses were originally used in farm work and heavy labour – like many working equids across Brooke’s countries of operation today.
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“Q” delivers the goods to help save the Exmoor Pony breed
Elsinore Alan Partridge – known as ‘Q’ – has made the first donation to the Exmoor Pony Society’s £100,000 Gene Bank.
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New international group to lead Chaar spotted horses into the future
The newly formed Chaar Appaloosa Association is the breed’s first official international body, and aims to have the breed recognised as “the original strain of the Appaloosa horse”.
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Bringing a Transylvanian horse breed back from the pages of history
The Szekler horse breed disappeared after World War 2, and the stud books were burned.
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Baldness in curly coated horses investigated
Dr Mitch Wilkinson chronicles efforts to learn more about the genes responsible for hair loss in some curly horses.
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Advocates work to protect the endangered Newfoundland Pony
There are now more Newfoundland Ponies outside of the province than in Newfoundland. Advocates are working to increase numbers and protection, and a Heritage Park is part of the plan.
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Light cast on origins of ancient horse breed in China
Researchers wondered whether foreign horses might have helped shape the breed. No evidence of input from foreign breeds was found.
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A hero, his horse, and the secret story of the Lipizzan rescue
“At First Light” tells the true story of one of the youngest and most decorated front-line officers in WW2 – and his part in the secret mission “Operation Lipizzaner”.
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Many 21st-century challenges for free-roaming Przewalski’s horses – review
“We suggest that the real conservation issue for the horses at present, especially in China, is related to intensifying human-wildlife conflicts.”
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Breeder aims to return Kyrgyzstan’s spotted Chaar horse to prominence
Munarbek Kuldanbaev is a breeder of spotted horses in Kyrgystan, where the breed is known as “Chaar”. Here, he outlines his vision for the Chaar and its importance to the region’s culture and heritage.
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Sarcidano horse an ancient genetic resource, researchers say
“Unfortunately, there are no real conservation plans for this breed at the moment,” the researchers noted.
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Science to the fore in efforts to safeguard the Exmoor pony
New scientific panel will provide crucial input amid growing risks from the effects of global warming on habitat, disease and social change.
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Scientists undertake major DNA study of Eriskay pony genetics
Genetic experts are turning their attention to the ancient Scottish Eriskay Pony, to help protect and promote the critically endangered native breed.
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Legend of the breed: Rocky Mountain Horse Choco Dock dies at 35
Choco Dock sired 486 registered Rocky Mountain offspring and won many championship titles.
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Horse expertise helps save rare Somali wild ass foal
First-time mother Mwana showed no interest in her newborn foal, Salia, so Basel Zoo brought in some expert help.
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