THE country’s rarest breeds of horses on the endangered species list are coming together at the Cheshire County Show to celebrate their continued existence.   

For the first time in more than fifteen years 12 breeds of horses, which are on the country’s endangered species list, will be seen together at the agricultural event on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18. 

Endangered horses include Cleveland Bay, Eriskay, Suffolks, which are on the critical watchlist, Dales, Exmoor, and Hackney horses and ponies, all on the endangered list, Clydesdale, Dartmoor, Welsh Mountain breeds on the vulnerable list, and Fell, Highland and Shire breeds which are at risk– all will be at the Cheshire Show. 

The special display of horses has been organised by Stephen Blakeman, who is in charge of the rare breeds section at the Cheshire Show, and the Rare Breed Survival Trust Committee.   

The rare breed section also includes rare breeds of pigs, sheep and cattle.  

“This is a great treat for equine and animal enthusiasts, who seldom get to see so many of the endangered species, and certainly not all together. 

“We are very lucky in Cheshire as all 12 species are within a 100 mile radius of the showground so we will have one of the best displays of rare animals,” said Stephen. 

Nigel Evans, executive director of the Cheshire Show added: “By getting so many of the country’s endangered breeds together we hope to improve the public’s understanding and awareness of the risk to these species. These are stunning animals, which people will rarely get to see.”