Thirteen of the UKs rare native breeds remain on the newly updated Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Watchlist, which was published today (Thursday 24 April), with the Hackney breed described as being in a very challenging situation.For more than 10 years, worryingly low numbers have been reported for the breed and the total number of mares producing registered Hackney foals declined in 2024. A statement said that the breeds Effective Population Size has fallen very close to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations level of concern, which is 50.The new RBST Watchlist deepens concerns for the Hackney Horse & Pony, a breed which remains in a very challenging situation, said the statement.The breed has now seen worryingly low numbers for over a decade and while female registrations were slightly higher in 2024 compared to 2023, the total number of dams producing registered progeny declined.New Forest declineThe New Forest breed has been close to graduating the watchlist in recent years, but a decline in its number of breeders, and a reduced number of dams, means it remains in the At Risk category.The picture remains very concerning for some of our rarest equine breeds, particularly the Hackney Horse and Pony, said RBST chief executive Christopher Price. We will continue to work closely with the breed societies to improve the outlook for all rare equine breeds through scientific research, application of the latest conservation tools and techniques, support for breeding networks, and promotion of the great benefits that these breeds can bring people, communities and the environment today and for the future.New Forest ponies remain in the At Risk categoryEncouraging numbers for five breedsThere is better news for five native breeds:Fell ponyThe Fell pony saw a 23% increase in the number of mares recorded as producing registered foals in 2024.Dartmoor ponyThe number of Dartmoor breeding mares also increased last year, by 14%, and saw an improvement in its Effective Population Size. This is a measure of genetic diversity and doesnt equate to the total breed population.Welsh ponyWelsh section B was added to the watchlist for the first time in 2024 following a decline in breeding numbers, and the latest data indicates a more stable picture.Cleveland Bay horseAlthough the Cleveland Bay remains in the priority category, there is a higher number of breeders for a second consecutive year and registrations increased by 17% last year.Eriskay ponyAccording to the latest data, the Eriskay breed has seen a significant improvement. However, it remains the rarest native equine breed and is still operating at very low numbers.The Eriskay breed is on the Priority list. Credit: Linda TrotmanWelcome stabilityTodays watchlist shows welcome stability across many of the UKs rare native equine breeds, which pays testament to the great dedication and commitment of owners and breed societies throughout the UK, day in and day out, said Christopher Price. It has been fantastic to see riders and owners showing the world just what our horse and pony breeds can do over the past year in the RBST Versatility Showcase.The watchlist in fullPriorityCleveland BayDalesEriskayExmoorHackneySuffolkAt RiskClydesdaleDartmoorFellHighlandNew ForestWelsh section BShireOther native breedsShetlandWelsh section A, C and DWelsh CobConnemara (Irish breed)Irish Draught (Irish breed)Dartmoor Hill (feral breed)Carneddau pony (feral breed)The RBST Watchlist is the annual situation report for the UKs native equine and livestock breeds, reflecting robust measures of the genetic diversity within each breed as well as the numbers of breeding females registered. Images Shutterstock unless statedRelated contentWelsh section B now a rare breed following marked declineExmoor ponies arrive in New Zealand to start a new herdRare breed horses taking historic park back to its rootsHow to tell if a horse is happyThe post Concern for Hackney breed as Rare Breeds Watchlist reports worryingly low numbers appeared first on Your Horse.