Skyros Pony
Skyros mare and foal
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| Other names | Skyrian Horse Skyrian Pony |
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| Country of origin | Greece (Skyros) |
| Traits | |
| Distinguishing features | Very small stature, semi-domesticated |
The Skyros Pony (Greek αλογάκι της Σκύρου) is a breed of pony found on the Greek isle of Skyros.
The Skyros breed generally stands between 9.1 and 11 hands (92 to 112 cm) high, and may be, bay, dun, brown or grey. The small-bodied species of the Skyrian horse is one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. It is native to Greece, and in ancient times lived throughout the country, but now is only found in the wild in Skyros and in breeding and welfare farms on the island of Skyros. At the time of writing [2009] there are 220 Skyrian horses in Greece, of which 152 live in Skyros. The Skyrian horse is a protected species.
The Skyrian horses are friendly, social, robust, intelligent animals; they are a particularly friendly breed. The head is very handsome, the mane long thick and usually in a hue darker than skin colour. Their legs are slim, strong and wiry, with strong joints. The tail is low set. The hooves are small, compact and strong, usually black in colour, and do not need shoeing.
A group called the Silva Project is currently working to promote the foundation of Skyros herds elsewhere in Greece and abroad. The Skyros Island Horse Trust [1] based in Skyros is running a highly successful breeding, conservation, education and welfare project with the Skyrian Horses. Another key organisation working to protect the skyrian horse is the Skyrian horse society who have created a stud book and are in the process of setting up a pedigree for the Skyrian Horse. Also another non profit organisation Hippolytus est.2010 (ελληνικά Ιππόλυτος) based in Falani Larissa is making efforts towards promoting the breed culturally and at the same time helping with its preservation.
The Skyros breed is believed to be descended from horses brought to the island of Skyros during the 5th to 8th centuries BCE by Athenian colonists. It is possible that they were used by Alexander the Great in his conquests, and also possible that they are the horses depicted in the friezes of the Parthenon.
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Wikipedia