One of Europe’s oldest breeds named The Skyrian, surviving almost completely on the Greek Island of Skyros for 2,000 years. Skyrian horse breed is one of the most exceptional horse breeds in the world. Locals used them for agricultural purposes due to their incredible strength, but the destruction of habitat and interbreeding have lowered their numbers and proceed to approach the existing population. Below we are presenting four fun facts about this astonishing breed:
1.They stand just 3.2 to 3.6 feet tall.
The Skyrian horse could simply be confused for a larger horse, but are sometimes termed Skyrian ponies due to their small stature. They stand 100 to 110 cm – tall. Scientists think that their tiny stature is an alteration to the circumstances of the withdrawn Greek island of Skyros.
2.They tend to be solid colors.
You are not expected to find any white stars or socks on a true Skyrian horse. They insist to be solid block colors like bay, dun, black or even dark brown. They also have thicker manes and tails than a typical average horse.
3.Only 200 – 300 true Skyrian horses remain.
The horses in agriculture decreased around the time of the Second World War, the Skyrian population began to decline. Overgrazing of livestock on the island, as well as interbreeding with donkeys, has also contributed to the decimation of the breed.
4.Efforts Are In Effect To Preserve The Breed.
They currently care for 41 horses and focus on isolating the animals’ genetic information to prevent inbreeding. They are working to repair the ancestry as well as teach the local communities on the significance of maintaining this remarkable breed.
