I was honoured to be a judge at SANAFest in June. I was very impressed with the support shown by EST to the participants by putting on, not just Breed classes, but a variety of performance events and seminars to help people show case their animals, to learn from each others experiences and to hear from some very interesting and informed speakers. The four days went far too quickly
The Equus Survival Trust has been a huge help in getting information on endangered horse breeds for the Equine Legacy Conservation project. We have received their assistance for multiple of the breeds we cover in our project, including the Fell Pony, the Mountain Pleasure horse and the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. It's been a joy to work with the Equus Survival Trust. Specifically with the executive director Victoria Tollman, who has personally supported us by providing data, genetic and historical insights, all very valuable to our project. We had the pleasure to interview her for our documentary series and podcast as well.
The internet is not always a trustworthy source of information, so it's a great thing to have an organization as dedicated as the Equus Survival Trust that stands for transparency and accurate information. Their pursuit to protect the traditional traits and genetic diversity and purity of historical equine breeds threatened with extinction is both admirable ánd much needed in todays world, where 33% of horse breeds are endangered.
The Equus Survival Trust is an organization that remains true to its mission and vision statements regardless of any outside influences that would divert it's attention. I find this so refreshing that EST keeps it's eye on its target to maintain, preserve and protect rare breeds true to type and heritage.
EST's efforts to educate are second to none and it's teaching are conducted on the basis of fact not conjecture, opinion, and certainly not what people want to hear but what they need to hear..
Preservation of rare breeds needs to happen now to assure their existance in the future. EST is committed to this on behalf of not a single breed but multiple rare breeds and benefits all who own or have interest in those rare breeds.
I commend and thank EST for all their efforts.
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EST is fueled by a passion to assure that the rare breeds of today will still be here tomorrow. Their objective is educate and help to facilitate management and recording of these breeds and to promote these breeds to a general public as well as help either owners or the breed organizations themselves.
Victoria Tollman is a wealth of information, guidance and mentorship.
Hats off to EST and Victoria who work on behalf of ALL these valuable breeds. Thank you EST for your hard work.
Victoria from Equus Survival Trust is exceptionally knowledgeable, helpfull and passionate. I worked on a conservation project for the past five year called the Equine Legacy Project where I raised awareness for endangered horse breeds. Victoria's knowledge has been crucial for the project to understand the breeds and how to best capture them and educate the public about these breed. Equus Survival Trust is such a great organization doing invaluable research and always open to new information. Our project wouldn't have been this great without the help from Victoria!
I have worked with EST for many years and it's always a positive, educational, and joyful experience. Thank you EST for all that you do for every single endangered breed that you work with! This year, I attended EST's 2024 SANA with my Caspian Horse, and it was a pleasure as always!
I recently spent 4 days working with this organization at their 2024 SANAFest in Virginia. I photographed several events and was a lecturer during the symposium. Every step of the way I felt the horses and their heritage was the top priority of the members. The group was so knowledgeable and extremely well educated on all aspects of preserving the rare breeds heritage in ways that, to a non horse person like myself, seemed so honorable and kind. The love and commitment to their mission, their horses and their members felt top notch! I hope I have opportunities again in the future to work with this non profit organization.
I am the current President of the Mountain Pleasure Horse Association and this past June, 6 of us traveled to Lexington, VA to perform at the SANA show with our endangered horses. The Equus Survival Trust has been a huge proponent of our rare breed for years, and we were thrilled to be able to attend and perform a flag demonstration as well as participate in the historical class. We were thrilled to be included and had a great time at the show!
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The Mountain Pleasure Horse is a critically endangered Kentucky heritage breed with less than 2500 existing horses alive today. The EST has been an absolute God-send to our association by offering a DNA grant for the past two years which has helped dramatically reduce the cost for breeders trying to register colts. They have been advocates for our beloved breed for years and continue to be a wealth of information and assistance with our many "rare breed" questions and concerns...
I’ve supported and volunteered for EST since its inception to the present day -20 years I am also a board member. I can confirm that all the officers and board members are unpaid volunteers and the office overheads are kept to a minimum. For an organization run on a shoestring, EST does an enormous amount of good. At this summer’s SANA show we ran an educational youth tour which was very well attended and received.
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EST has helped education and conservation of rare equine breeds for close to 20 years . They network with breed organizations and enthusiasts and provide support whenever possible. Because it is run by unpaid volunteers, the administrative costs are minimal and money goes direct to their mission. I continue to donate because I believe in the organization’s mission
SANA hosts a wonderful show. Everyone was very pleasant and supportive and the judge was very kind and offered great feedback! It is a wonderful place to get acquainted with different breeds, and it would even make a great destination for families with horse-crazy kiddos to learn about rare breeds. Very grateful for the opportunity to show at SANA.
As a the beneficiary of the UCAT program I can not thank the EST enough for the great opportunity I am given to show the Akhal-Teke breed in Working Equitation. My purebred Akhal-Teke gelding Raindancer and I had a wonderful and successful show season which got us a lot of new friends and allowed me to forward information about this rare and wonderful breed. We even managed to qualify for (and show in) the Western Zone Championship which was attended by horse rider pairs of the whole USA west coast. Raindancer is not only the first and so far only purebred Akhal-Teke registered in USA Working Equitation, but we also managed to achieve the Level 1 Champion Title. Thank You Equus Survival Trust !!!
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From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank the Equus Survival Trust and the Akhal-Teke Association of America for putting trust in me and my 5 year old Akhal-Teke gelding Raindancer (aka The Dragon).
This year Raindancer was the first recorded Akhal-Teke in the USA to be competing in Working Equitation. (A wonderful sport that allows to present a horse in a very versatile way as it incudes a dressage part, an obstacle trail, as speed trail and working cattle, is open to all breeds and all styles of riding)
Besides that The Dragon is an outstanding partner all across the Montana Rocky Mountain trails and working cattle on our ranch and on outside cowboy jobs.
This young gelding is a true representative of this rare and old breed as beside his beauty and athleticism he carries an ancient wisdom about how to form a true relationship with his human partner, that I have not met in any other breed before. He is observant, focused and has a true common sense. A value that needs to be preserved and that many modern breeds would benefit from imo.
The generous support will give us the opportunity to show beyond our home area, present the wonderful Akhal-Teke breed in an additional way to the common sport horse disciplines and show its tremendous versatility. It will be a wonderful motivation to refine my horsemanship and finer riding skills and allow the dragon to enlarge his circle of friends.R
I am the President of the Board of Directors for the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center and have worked with EST on a number of occasions. They have been very helpful on our journey to save the Newfoundland Pony.
EST is a very professional but all volunteer organization. Where we struggle to save a single rare breed, EST struggles to save many rare equine breeds. Thanks EST for all you do for horses worldwide.
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I am president of the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center in NH and am very familiar with the work of Equus Survival Trust. These are people who are working to save not only one rare breed of Equine but all of those that are endangered. I know how difficult it is to do this work and I commend them for their efforts
As a critically endangered breed steward, Equus Survival Trust has educated me on true breed preservation and helped to lead my mission down the right path, avoiding the mistakes and pitfalls other breeds have encountered. Without Equus Survival Trust, my breed of choice would certainly be a crossbred now, bred to the current market via breed "improvement". The breed would then be touted as the real deal when it in fact would have been changed forever, essentially rendering it extinct, leaving an inferior copy in it's place along with the modern horse world's damaged genetics in it's gene pool. And to think, this is an all volunteer organization where all funds go directly to the mission, not to salaries or marketing themselves. This group actually helps breeders, not itself first. And that clearly shows when you work with them. Having been an organization for just about 20 years, they are the first, the best, and completely unique in the endangered breed horse world.
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The Equus Survival Trust's mission is not only honorable, it is a breath of fresh air in the confused and muddled public sense of how to save endangered equine breeds. There is misinformation out there, and wrong approaches advised, that sadly damages the effort, resulting in increased endangerment and loss of breeds. Preservation is preservation, not cross-breeding or "breeding up". Cross-breeding/breeding up is creating a new breed. EST works hard to help breed groups and individual breeders wade through the confusion, difficulties, and challenges they face on their noble attempt to save their breed du jour. EST is always professional, and fair. What also amazes me is how much is achieved by EST without any one of us getting paid or profiting in any way. True dedication. I am proud to be involved with the Equus Survival Trust.
I've been working with EST on and off since 2008. They are always honest, follow through on promises and try their best for rare equine breeds. The events that we have done together run smoothly and are a lot of fun. Definitely a great nonprofit!
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I've worked on several Rare Breeds Show with EST and just finished up the SANA West Rare Breeds Show in Sacramento, CA during the Western States Horse Expo. It was very well received, with rare breeds attending including: Akhal-Tekes and Akhal-Teke crosses, Hackney Horses, Irish Draught and Irish Draught Crosses, Canadian Horses, American Cream Draft, Dales, Highland, Fell, Kerry-Bog, and Gotland-Russ ponies. We (the ATAA) couldn't have done this without the help of EST - it was our first such show! Thank you Victoria for your wealth of knowledge and contacts!
I am in the early stages of discussions about the state of The Suffolk Punch horse genetics. With the invaluable help of EST, we may be able to better formulate policies for the future and much, much, more. Many thanks.
I have been breeding Swedish Gotland ponies for 32 years. It’s a rare breed, with only about 100 in North America. Until Equus Survival Trust began maintaining the registry for us, I was terrified that all my rare breeds work would be lost to a small breed registry glitch. It was a real problem. Now I know our registry is safe and cared for. I couldn’t ask for a better caretaker of my breed’s records. Thank you, EST. No one does more for rare breeds than you do!
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As the major breeder of Swedish Gotland ponies, I've worked with the EST for nearly twenty years in promoting, organizing and showing rare breeds. Victoria created a database and registration system when the Gotlands needed one, and she works tirelessly and and is endlessly dedicated. Stewarding my breed would have been much more difficult without her.
This is an organization where 100% of your donation will go directly toward helping to save endangered equines. Please give whatever you're able!
Review from Guidestar
The EST has been instrumental in helping us to move forward with the identification and preservation of the Painter Barb horses. EST has spent countless hours educating us in what is important, how to move forward, where to find information, resources and just hand holding and support.
EST has been a knowledgeable and avid supporter of the Canadian Horse breed for many years now. Most recently, they have very graciously supported the Canadian Horse Heritage & Preservation Society's (CHHAPS) virtual event: the CHHAPS Challenge. We very much appreciate both the support as well as all the advocacy and rare breed preservation efforts done by EST!
The grant from Equus enabled us to bring a rare bloodline, Suffolk Punch Stallion into our breeding program, that otherwise, would not have had the opportunity to breed with Registered Suffolk Punch Mares. We very much appreciate the generosity and ongoing efforts of Equus to support the rare breed horses and specifically the Suffolk Punch Draft horse breed. Victoria Tollman does amazing work!
Red Tails Ranch CO
As a very small business owner with a rare blooded Suffolk Punch Stallion I was able to travel and breed to mares we would not have access to without the generous grant money to assist with travel expenses. When you travel with a Suffolk Punch you spend a LOT of time in petrol stations educating folks who have never seen the breed up close and it's such a great opportunity to share the joy of these wonderful horses.Thank you for your support.
Mari Leedy
Stitch N Hitch harness Shop
The Equus Survival Trust helped my students and I teach the public at Equine Affaire about Fell & Dales Ponies. We could not have paid for a booth and demo slots on our own. We will be forever grateful for the opportunity they helped provide.
I have enjoyed participating in 2 SANA Rare Breed shows in the past, they were well organized and a great opportunity to present Akhal-Teke horses to the public.
I am also forever grateful to the Equus Survival Trust for entrusting me with a UCAT grant, which has enabled me to showcase an Akhal-Teke at the upper level of dressage.
When Robert Painter, preservation breeder for Barb horses, passed away without a plan for his herd they were in jeopardy of destruction. Robert and Louise Painter spent 70 years carefully collecting horses and breeding for genotype rather than phenotype, uniquely their own program, unlike any other. Upon his death, without a plan, without feed, in winter, Louise now suffered not only the loss of her life partner and husband, but their life's work and dream and the certain demise of 67 horses alive on the ranch. When we met the call for help it was at the request of a friend of the neighbor - no one close to their work or even familiar with their horses was involved except to say, these horses are special and try to assist in inventorying the horses.
The Equus Survival Trust reached out to us and helped to educate us on these horses and their importance. Had they not had the knowledge to share and their finger on the pulse of not only these horses but the bigger picture of all the horses and how they all fit together, yet were unique and different. They aided with resources to continue the steep learning curve, DNA collection, sperm harvesting and in general just the ins and outs of a genetic preservation with a small population. They were instrumental in coaching me through the process of maintaining a virtual herd, while the herd could not be maintained physically intact at the dispersal.
Their continued support includes being a repository for the prolific records of Robert Painter which include correspondence with Gilbert Jones, Robert Brislawn and others and maintaining the DNA results in a shared format. Without their extensive knowledge, patience, support, encouragement and alliance these horses, the history and this strain would most likely be lost.
Blue Oaks Center is a 501c(3) non-profit for the preservation of the Baca Chica Barb horse. Over the past 7 years, the BOC administration worked diligently to not only gather all breedable preservation stock but to create a DNA database.
We have worked with Victoria Tollman at Equus Survival Trust for the past 3 years. Under her guidance, she helped us establish and strive for the essence of purebred breeding. She supported us in creating a pedigree analysis for the entire Baca Chica herd. With her support, we feel more confident in going forward as an organization preserving the rare and endangered Baca Chica horse. Her emphasis on “extinction is forever” was powerful for us and has now led to many opportunities for the Baca Chica herd. We thank Victoria and the EST organization.
Carol Fuller Powell, Founder
My name is Robin Collins and I represent The Heritage Discovery Center, Inc. We are a 501(c)(3) dedicated to history education and the preservation of the Wilbur-Cruce Mission horse. We have worked with Victoria Tollman and Equus Survival Trust for many years.
Equus Survival Trust (EST) serves as a wonderful model for global preservation and stewardship. EST has guided and supported us to learn a better understanding of endangered rare breeds conservation.
EST has helped us develop a program for our Wilbur-Cruce Mission horses and to collaborate with other preservation breeders who are also developing programs for their rare and endangered equines. These delicate and small-numbered populations are irreplaceable universal genetic treasures.
I personally would like to thank Victoria Tollman and the Equine Survival Trust organization for their dedication and for assisting us through difficult times. This organization makes it possible for us all to help save our world.
I am so thrilled to be the recipient of help from the Equus Survival Trust. It has allowed me to showcase this wonderful Akhal-Teke breed to so many people who have never heard of it or been able to see the horses in real life. These majestic and personable horses need to get out in the world to competitions and events such as Equine Affaire. People need to know that the Teke horses are more than capable in so many ways to bring joy, camaraderie, strength and athleticism to horse lovers and riders everywhere. Thank you for your generous assistance in keeping these horses thriving as a breed!
Equus Survival Trust has been a valuable and supportive resource for educational events that promote awareness of the endangered Canadian Horse and other equines. When COVID cancelled various equine expos used to generate educational breed awareness, the Canadian Horse Heritage & Preservation Society created "100 Hours in 100 Days" - a virtual event open to ALL breeds. EST supported this event as the sponsor for the Endangered Breed Division, which welcomed participants with rare and endangered equines. Over the 100 days, participants strengthened the partnership with their horse and met the various participating breeds. As one of the event coordinator volunteers, I greatly appreciated the insights and guidance EST shared with the organizers, as well as their sponsorship!
I am the herd manager for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund in North Carolina. We are a 501 c 3 nonprofit that is tasked with managing one of the last remaining wild herds of Banker horses in the world. Equus Survival Trust has been instrumental in guiding us through a massive project we began in 2020 to collect DNA samples from every individual and begin a database to track ancestry, relationships and breeding, genetic diseases and more. I have learned so much about breed conservation from EST and greatly value their unbiased, scientific approach to saving rare breeds. They are an incomparable resource, always happy to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support. We are proud to be affiliated with EST and look forward to many more years of working together to save the Banker horses.
I come from a family of horse people. My grandfathers were Thoroughbreds and Pure Puerto Rican Paso Finos breeders. My father was also a Thoroughbred breeder, but I chose to breed, promote and conserve the PPR Paso Fino horse.
The PPR Paso Finos is an endangered breed with less than 2,500 horses in the United States and Puerto Rico. What I love most about the PPR Paso Finos is their versatility. These horses are capable of so much! From trail riding to cow work, from rescues in the mountains to horse shows. And all of this is done with the smoothest gait! The Equus Survival Trust helps rare and endangered breeds like the PPR Paso Fino horses. Without their support, keeping these breeds alive would be much more difficult. Thanks for everything you do!
Photo of Toñita and her dam Pascua. This filly was born in South Carolina and carries the bloodline of my grandfather's champion mare.
I personally want to thank this incredible organization for their generosity in helping me and my Akhal-Teke gelding, Jericho. With their help, I was able to get the start we really needed to get out there in the horse shows and promote this incredible breed. Thanks to their generous sponsorship, I brought this beautiful horse to the attention of so many people, showing them what makes the Akhal-Teke so very special and unique. Thank you so much!!!!
The Equus Survival Trust is playing an important role in helping to safeguard and promote equine breeds. It is an unfortunate fact that 'red tape' can sometimes compromise and even threaten conservation efforts - and these issues can transcend breeds, countries and even continents. Especially where closed stud books create a 'brick wall' between pedigree and purebred equines, which can compromise both genetic diversity and overall breed health, of already endangered equine breeds. The Equus Survival Trust remains firmly interested in and supportive of the actual equines and is genuinely keen to help breed groups to navigate through sometimes obstructive 'rules and regulations' to improve opportunities to safeguard and preserve important bloodlines. This is a truly international organisation which does not see geographical boundaries as a problem, or engage in 'politics' - and this is reassuring and refreshing.
As a breeder of rare Akhal-Teke horses, I know first hand how challenging it can be to preserve rare equines, and the living world heritage that’s embodied in them. In this context, I’m so grateful for the essential work that Equus Survival Trust does to support our rare breeds community, and all our people and horses. EST works effectively at so many levels, from public education events and fiscal sponsorships, up to expert-level science. And they do this with a consistently high level of thoughtfulness and integrity that helps bring out the best in everyone involved.
I am an Equine Photographer based in southern Ontario. I met my first endangered breed, two Newfoundland Ponies through Vanessa and photographed extensively. Then I found out about Victoria and EST. I have a desire to locate endangered breeds and photograph then to assist in the plight of these beautiful animals. I have since photographed Canadian horses, Caspian horses and Ojibway Spirit horses. I am always on the lookout for endangered species to photograph. Love the work that Victoria and her team perform. Robert Alexander
As a Caspian breeder, I have always felt that every hour that I have spent working with Equus Survival Trust is productive and valuable. Every minute, every dollar spent, every ounce of energy is for the horses and the people who are willing to ensure their future.
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EST as a volunteer organisation is one that every similar group around the world can be inspired by and aspire to model. The level of research, knowledge and reach that EST has to help educate ,locate and document rare breed equines is exemplary and the partnership we have built with Victoria Tollman allows us to share knowledge from Australia and learn about breeds that are here in a global perspective. There is no bias every breed is treated as a conservation imperative and the amount of work that they have done to secure remnant herds is exceptional. As a Director of Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and long serving committee member on rare equine breed society committees I am greatly aware of the time and energy the EST volunteers must put it. This is and organisation that has global influence that is of immense value to partner organisations. I absolutely with the utmost respect thank Victoria and her volunteers who make this valuable work possible.
Katy Brown RBTA Director ,HPA President and DPOB Vice President .principal Senlac Highland Pony Stud est 1975.
We have started a new breed conservancy program with EST support and guidance always there when we need it. Can't say enough about the help and wisdom freely offered us as we explore this venture.
I continue to donate to EST whenever I can because I know my money won’t be wasted. The volunteer staff (including myself) work hard to keep overheads low so more money can go to promote rare equine breeds. EST provides a great deal of (unpaid ) advice and support to individuals, associations and registries. There is no other organization that provides so much for so little!
Having been in rescue and charity work for the past 15 years I was looking for a breed of horse that was critically endangered that perhaps I could help. I called EST and spoke with Victoria Tollman who graciously spent hours walking me through each breed. I chose the Dales Pony after much consideration. But that wasn't the end of EST as a resource. I organized the Dales Pony Breeders Association and once again EST stepped up and provided me with insights and pitfalls to be aware of in creating a successful organization. The Trust's knowledge of endangered breeds is bottomless. I can't think of a better, more comprehensive, resource than Equus Survival Trust. I am grateful for their existence in a world where such knowledge is desperately needed.
I have been dealing with Equus Survival Trust for many years in matters regarding my purebred Caspian horse breeding herd. Victoria Tollman has always been very supportive of my efforts, informative regarding all things Caspian, patient in explaining issues and concerns, and an all around wonderful person. It is obvious that Victoria understands the needs of rare breeds; such as accuracy in registry data, and spending hundreds of hours in research and promotion of the breed. It is well-known among the Caspian community that the breed would be completely lost in North America if not for Victoria's intervention.
Working with EST is always a wonderful experience! Professional, dedicated, and hard-working, they always do the utmost for every breed.
I have served as Executive Director for the Equus Survival Trust for 16 years. During that time EST has grown from a handful of rare breed affiliates to over 50 associations and registries across North America and abroad.
EST has built a huge global rare breed network to support the conservation of the EST rare breeds. EST has created and supported rare breed events all over North America, including founding the Stewardship Awards of North America (SANA) Rare-Steeds educational competition events in the USA.
EST’s biggest accomplishment is providing continuous education and networking for the resources that its breeders need to continue preserving and protecting their respective endangered breeds. I am proud to assist in this work. Well done Equus Survival Trust!
The Equus Survival Trust is a valuable resource and tool for providing breeder and the public information and support. They provide a discussion platform for rare breeders to discuss information and accomplishments within our rare breed community.
This organization has provided myself (a Caspian horse breeder) much information and support. I am a Caspian breeder out of Alberta, Canada. Rocky Six S Ranch Caspians (R6S)!
The EST is a wonderful resource for learning about endangered horse breeds from around the world. The knowledge they provide, and the ability to allow you to connect to people across the world about a breed you love is amazing. I would certainly recommend them for someone looking to learn about rare breeds and/or how to get into them
If it wasn't for The EST, many rare horse breeds would be lost forever. Their dedication to the preservation of these horses is the one real hope I have as a Caspian Horse owner, and now breeder, that we will have this ancient horse for future generations.
EST leaves no stone unturned to help owners and breeders but most importantly, to promote, sustain and save, rare breeds, one horse at a time♥️
I have been in contact with EST, discussing breed matters and judging and advising, since its earliest days. Mrs Tollman's organisation of Rare Breed events has always been very good, thorough and thoughtful and very friendly.
The organisation is utterly dedicated to helping Rare Breed Equines: knowledgeable in its own right but always willing to ask for help & assistance from Breed Societies.
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The EST brings together horse breeders around the world who are working to save endangered equine breeds ,to have this platform is invaluable to highlight difficulties faced by breeders allowing for real time evaluation of how breeds are travelling .It also inspires us with success stories from across the globe.One of my go to sites for great information and informed discussion. Katy Brown Director Rare Breeds Trust of Australia .
The Equus Survival Trust was a very helpful site and source of people to consult on the FEll PONY when we decided to start breeding them three years ago. The Trust is all about promoting the value and assets of each of the rare equine breeds it features as well as educating the public on these breeds by showcasing value, equine partnership and versatility. There is a huge opportunity to educated people on the Fell Pony’s versatility and usefulness in the working/mountain horse disciplines in this country and EST is helping greatly with that by posting useful information, links and starting discussion for general idea and knowledge sharing.
An organization that works very hard at preserving and protecting rare equine breeds. Why? Because extinct is forever! Follow them on Facebook & MeWe.
I want to thank everyone at EST and SANA West for the opportunity to present my Gotland ponies. Cathy and Tish worked so hard and put on a fantastic show!
Our experience at the SANA West Rare Breed show was very positive! Not just a show, we opted to participate in an in-hand obstacle clinic. The clinician was patient and encouraging. Very positive. Overall communication and planning was well organized making us feel confident bringing our young horses to such a big venue as the Western States Horse Expo.
The meet and greet area was lovely and shady and we sure met a lot of folks there. Really exceptional exposure for all the breeds represented!
Thank you so very much for all your time and effort!!! We sincerely hope there will be another opportunity for rare breeds at the Horse Expo
Awesome show! It was the first of its kind on the west coast and we had such a great time! We definitely will be returning best year.
Had a great first experience at a large event promoting the rare Dales and Fell pony breeds as well as showing my Fell pony at the Western States Horse Expo, SANA rare breed horse show in CA just recently. Thanks to the EST for the support of these wonderful breeds and events that showcase them! Photos credit to Mattie Tucker.
My daughters and I attended the Equus Trust Rare Breeds event at the Rockbridge Fair in Virginia this past September (2018). We are relatively new to the world of horses, and to be honest, I wasn't really sure what to expect for an event of this type. What a wonderful experience it was! The event was so educational and in a good way! Unlike "showing" horse shows, we were able to see rare breeds up close and personal, to talk with owners, and all who share in the love for these horses. I had people talk to me that had never heard of the Caspian breed and were much impressed with the horses. I personally enjoyed the conformation clinic and seeing the Caspians in comparison.
I think this type of show is important to promote awareness of the rare horse breeds. Unlike other rare or endangered animals, Caspian and rare breed horses are not promoted like Giant Pandas or Tigers through the WWF. The EST and the EST events are important tools to help promote awareness of the rare breeds.
I am so happy that my daughters and I attended this event. We are looking forward to future EST events.
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My girls and I were invited to the EST Rare Breeds event in Virginia. To be honest, I wasn't really sure what to expect. What a wonderful experience it was! The event was so educational and fun! Most people do not realize that there are rare and critical breeds of horses in this world. The EST is important in promoting the awareness of these rare breeds so that they do not become extinct. Through the work and dedication of the EST, it is hopeful that these rare and endangered breeds will be enjoyed by future generations.
I worked closely with one of the active members of EST at the SANA Rare Breeds Show in Virginia several years ago, and have found her and the organization to be a wealth of knowledge about the critically endangered breeds. The world needs more people like this to help keep these breeds from becoming forgotten and extinct! Kudos for being able to bring owners and lovers of these different breeds together to protect these beautiful horses and ponies.
After working with EST, for five years, we are amazed at their knowledge base and extreme dedication to conserving critical breeds. Placing 17 rescued Caspians, from Alberta, Canada, in 2019, was no easy task .... but EST, stepped up and made it happen. All 17 horses were successfully placed in new breeding environments, further helping the breed. Two thumbs up for EST.
As the first and for some 30 years leading conservator of Dales ponies since 1991 in North America I have lived through Equus Trusts inception right up to today.... the dedication of its founder and director since its start up is tireless unbiased knowledgeable for all breeds under its auspices I am proud to have been affiliated with it for all these years
So grateful for this trust. We purchased some Caspian horses that the trust rescued from an auction in Alberta. If it wasn't for the trust they probably would have went to slaughter, the dark side of Alberta's horse auctions. The trust and Victoria has been such a support and wealth of knowledge. It's so great to be part of an organization that truly love and care about horses and their owners. You could not ask for a better place to learn about horses. Everyone is so friendly. Thanks again for all of your support!
EST is the only organization that has really helped rare horse breeds as a whole. I have owned a Caspian Horse (rare breed) for over 20 years. The EST put on a horse show last year that was the first opportunity that I had to show against other Caspians. They had other rare breeds of horses there and educated us on those breeds. They did a parade of rare horse breeds to educate the public that came to watch. The EST honored every rare breed that was represented and treated all the horses and owners with respect. If it was not for this amazing organization bringing rare horse breed owners together we would not have an outlet to let our horses shine. Thank you EST for all you do to help these treasures!
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Equus Survival Trust has been an outstanding venue for endangered breeds and strains of horses. They promote them tirelessly through shows across the country and daily on Facebook. I had the opportunity to exhibit my stallion at one of their very well-run shows in Virginia and was impressed with its professionalism. I learn more about other endangered breeds every day through their social networking and applaud their commitment to preservation!
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Equus Survival Trust is truly dedicated to promoting endangered equine species. My experience with the Executive Director, Victoria Tollman, as well as the volunteers, at the horse show they produced in Lexington, VA, last year was extremely positive. The Festivale of Endangered Species was professionally run and gave support to all of the competitors. I believe we all went away with a sense that we had contributed to the promotion and positive exposure of our endangered breeds. Before entering the event, I received prompt replies to my questions from Ms. Tollman along with very encouraging support.
Since my experience at the 2016 show, I have been impressed with Ms. Tollman's active support of all of the participating breeds on the EST Facebook page, which daily updates visitors with news about the endangered species.
i have spent many years working for the equus survival trust as their web and graphic designer, so i speak from some considerable personal experience when i say never have i ever encountered a group of individuals more dedicated to and enthusiastic about their cause. i hope to continue to assist them in their mission for many more years to come.
I have worked with this nonprofit as a volunteer and a data entry assistant for many years now, and I never fail to be impressed by the professionalism and immense dedication that is always shown by this organization. Working with them has always proven to be a diverse learning experience and a wonderful opportunity to assist so many different endangered breeds!
This is the most active and well educated Rare Horse Breed Organization. They work endlessly for the good of our endangered horse breeds. We could not do without them.
We recently attended the equine survival trust show and demonstration in sept at Lexington, Va. This is our first year with our Fell pony and our first outing with her . The event was well planned and we had a great obstacle clinic and show.
EST is a vital force championing the role of endangered horse breeds in the world. As the owner of a Cheval Canadien, I recently participated in an endangered horse breed show that was sponsored by EST. Hundreds of people came through and learned about this breed and the others showcased at the event. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for the public! This is just one of the many areas in which EST is working to preserve these breeds. Indeed, some of the breed populations have sunk to such low levels that EST is literally helping to make the difference between continuing population viability or extinction.
I've worked with this association and Victoria as a volunteer and also as an owner of a rare breed for probably ten years now, and the experience has always been positive. EST is 100% for the breeds it works to promote and is a wealth of information when it comes to conservation.
Review from Guidestar
Fantastic organization that goes above and beyond to bring awareness to the critically endangered equines of the world. Very helpful, and does wonderful work, and unlike many rescues or conservation efforts, focuses on ALL the endangered breeds.
This a wonderful group that helps promote different breeds. Their Facebook page is amazing and full of pictures and information to help you with heritage breeds.
The EST put on a Rare Horse Breeds pavilion and lead the 'Farms on Parade' event at the 2017 Rockbridge Regional Fair. The events were professional done and were a great hit with all the fair visitors. These are good people doing good work...and doing it very well.
EST has done a consistently supportive job of championing highly endangered horse breeds, both as a news vehicle and as a provider of breed showcases. They are well connected with breed enthusiasts and keep us up to date with challenges arising in protecting the horses, serving as a clearing house and discussion center to share information.
Equus Survival Trust has done an amazing job for promoting a wide variety of rare breeds. The Rare breeds show is instrumental in bringing together rare breeds on a national showcase event. I am also impressed with their conservation efforts in collaborating and encouraging research in rare breeds.
I am a member of the Fell Pony Society Council (UK) & have responsibilty for North America. I have worked alongside the EST since its inception, including Judging at Events help by them & providing help in written form. I find the organisation to be very dedicated to helping Rare Breed Equines, knowledgeable and not afraid to ask for help & assistance from Experienced individauls/Societies when needed.
Victoria has provided support and advice to the Newfoundland Pony Society over recent years above and way beyond the call of duty. Her lnowledge, experience and dedication is as rare as our ponies. With heartfelt thanks
Cle Newhook ( a past pres of NPS
Since meeting EST's Executive Director Victoria Tollman in 2004, my connection with Equus Survival Trust has allotted me the opportunity to work closely with her on several of her equine breed exhibits. More recently, EST privileged us an opportunity to look in on the Island 20 Newfoundland Ponies, during their trek from Vancouver to Newfoundland; to observe a few Akhal-Tekes and watch home movies of one couple's efforts to bring some to Canada; and much to Victoria's delight, learned that EST's work was well-known at a Canada Horse booth at the breeds pavilion of the 2014 Calgary Stampede.
Victoria works tirelessly through EST with N.A.'s endangered equine breeds. She is a wealth of information, in her own right, providing articles for many publications, and has decades of experience and a library of resources to back that up. She gets hands-on in every venue she can to inform, promote, assist, rescue, document, or otherwise preserve the rare and endangered breeds on EST's list.
I can personally vouch for the countless hours she has devoted to many of the projects with which EST has been involved. Anyone wishing to promote or preserve rare and endangered N.A. equine breeds, should endorse, financially sponsor, or in whatever way you can, get involved with this most-worthy organization. The equines need you.
Nancy Phillips
Equus Survival Trust has been an incredible resource, objectively providing crucial educational assistance during an ongoing struggle to protect a rare breed from breed standard changes that would further endanger its existence. Through it they have looked at all sides of the equation and offered fact-based advice and direction to a fragmented uneducated breed community, congealing it in the process. Strictly volunteer, their efforts have been tireless and their goal, survival of this breed as nature intended, has been foremost despite the daunting challenges faced. This breed, without Equus Survival's intervention, would certainly be added to the list of breeds rendered extinct by human ignorance.
Review from Guidestar