Greece’s rare Skyrian horses

©Christos Drazos

Travel | 13 Dec 2019

The Skyrian horse is one of the oldest breeds in Europe, believed to have pulled Achilles’ legendary chariot in Troy, accompanied Alexander the Great in his conquests, and depicted in the friezes on the Parthenon. But with only about 200 of these historic miniature horses left, the breed is at great risk of extinction. Photo essay by Christos Drazos

©Christos Drazos

One of the rarest horse breeds in the world, the Skyrian horse is native to Greece, only found in the wild on Skyros and in a few breeding and welfare farms on the island. The Equus caballus Skyriano stands at a diminutive 0.9 to 1.15m, with a long, thick mane, and is a calm, intelligent, animal. With just 200 Skyrian horses left, it is a Greek tragedy that can be averted by supporting the efforts of a handful of individuals and organisations who have worked hard to protect, breed, support and conserve Skyrian horses. The Skyros Island Horse Trust, based on Skyros, has been running a highly successful breeding, conservation, education and welfare project for these horses. You can help save the Skyrian horse by contacting Amanda Simpson and Stathis Katsarelias at skyrosislandhorsetrust.com

With just 200 Skyrian horses left, it is a Greek tragedy that can be averted by supporting the efforts of a handful of individuals and organisations who have worked hard to protect, breed, support and conserve Skyrian horses.