Think of Greece and a four-legged beast of burden - and you're probably picturing a donkey. Yet there are many very special populations of horses and ponies in Greece. The isolation of remote mountain areas and the scattered Greek islands has created a number of different groups of native horses, some of which preserve the genetics of horses from ancient times.

Unfortunately, like much of the wildlife in Greece, these herds are often neglected or, worse, regarded as nuisances.

Often, it's the outsiders and tourists who appreciate these unusual wild or semi-wild horses.

In many cases, it's possible to visit or even ride these unusual horses.

Skyros (and Corfu)

Horselovers on the remote and traditional island of Skiros in the Northern Aegean will be delighted to find a population of small ponies. Alpha Yachting has some information on the local ponies - scroll down for a photo of one of them on the beach. The Skyros Pony has gathered fans - you can find out more on the Katsarelias Simpson Project page.
 

Here on the island of Skyros, the smallest horses in the world still cling to survival. They are possible relatives of the equally-rare Balearic horses living on the Spanish islands in the west of the Mediterranean. Recent efforts to protect and assist the Skyros horse may ensure their survival for years to come; if you're interested in helping to save them, mention your interest in them when you travel on Skyros. Like much of the world's wildlife, their best chance for survival is if they can make the transition from "inconvenient animal" to "tourist attraction".

If you can't make it to Skyros, you can also see this horse at the Attica Zoo, which is not far from the Athens International Airport and can be reached fairly quickly and inexpensively by taxi. There is also a population bred by The Silva Project on the island of Corfu.

Cephallonia (Kefallonia)

On Cephallonia, there are wild horses who help out on farms during the spring, summer, and fall, but who are left largely on their own to survive the winter as best they can - a fate that also often befalls cats and dogs who do well during the tourist season by begging at tavernas, but who are left to their own devices when the hotels and restaurants close.

Crete

The Greek island of Crete may have originally received horses from Egypt, a few days sailing across the Libyan Sea. On Crete, the native horse is valued and is enjoying a renaissance, with equestrian events. Many of the Sfakians, a local group descended from the Dorian conquerors of Crete three thousand years ago, are active in preserving the traditions of the past and take great pride in their Cretan horses. These horses inherit an unusual type of gait called aravani, which provides a smooth ride even over the difficult terrain of Crete. The Messara horses have their tails trimmed into a flag-like shape, and this also keeps them from getting tangled in the abundant and spiny native plants which grow all over the island.
 

Galloping Through Greece

Pounding surf and pounding hooves make an unforgettable combination. Add in the terrific untamed Greek scenery, and you have all the ingredients for the vacation of a lifetime - if you don't mind getting just a bit saddle sore.
Hidden Trails offers several horseback itineraries, plus the opportunity to for riders of all levels to enjoy horseback riding at their Hippocampus (horse field) north of Athens.
The Crete Mountain Explorer itinerary is a 6-day trip riding 4-6 hours a day through some of the most beautiful Cretan countryside. The cost is right too, about $125 a day, including meals, lodging, and, of course, your horse and guide.
The blending of human and horse was immortalized in the tales of the Greek centaurs, including the wise Chiron. Perhaps the most famous horse in Greek history is the Trojan Horse, which is a pity because Greece's real horses are no fakes. Greeks have always admired horses, and in ancient times, Hellas was homeland to a number of different breeds, most sadly lost today. Many others cling to survival - there is a single Thessalian stallion, a bare dozen of Cephalonian Ainou horses left. Ironically, tourism may be the key to their survival. The more interest farmers and municipalities receive about their horses, the better their chances. In Thessaly, descendents of the horses Alexander the Great captured and tamed survive, in dwindling numbers, as the "Voukefalas".
If you prefer to watch horses rather than ride them, consider the May horseracing season at Nicosia on the island of Cyprus. This thoroughbred racecourse has been called the prettiest in the world, and as May is arguably the most beautiful month on Cyprus, you're in for a treat.

More on Horses in Greece

Wild Horses of Cephalonia
Tourists may help save these endangered wild horses.Greek Horses Riding Off Into Extinction
From Hermes Magazine, a look and these unique horses which have survived since the days of Alexander. By Katerina Plassara.
Friends of the Cyprus Donkey
These less-glamorous cousins of the horse need some TLC, which 80 lucky ones receive at the Vouni sanctuary.
Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary On the island of Crete, this hardworking sanctuary profiles a "Donkey of the Month". Horseback Riding Greece
Stay at an equestrian hotel, ride on the beach, or take a 6-day horseback riding trek.
Horseback Riding Vacations
Full-package tours, including treks (extended trips through the Greek countryside) or stationary (riding at one facility). From Hidden Trails.

Santorini - Boathouse Hotel
In Kamari on the island of Santorini, this hotel can arrange horseback riding nearby.

Paphos, Cyprus - Horseriding
Enjoy this horse farm, riding school, and trekking center outside of Paphos on the island nation of Cyprus.

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