I’m sorry that It has taken me all month to figure out the details on how to help these incredible horses. But, we have a few days left and we can do a lot in that time…
ALMOST EXTINCT! There are only 270 SKYROS HORSES left in the WORLD and they are caught up in the Greek economic crisis. We can help them survive! The Skyros horses – Our JULY BUCKET FUND!
There are only 90 left… and now they are caught up in the Greek economic crisis!
If you receive this via email, click here to donate!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THEIR DEMISE…
The Skyros horse is from the island of Skyros in Greece. This breed is so ancient, their DNA is like no other equine on the planet. In fact, it is said that Achilles rode a Skyros horse into battle. The Skyros horses are small (10 – 12 hands) but strong, willing, affable, curious, courageous, rugged, formidable for their diminutive size – and have worked symbiotically with humans for … ever.
Once very abundant, the Skyrian horse was used regularly by the Greeks. But by 1950, their use was automated. And like so many other breeds of horses, when man no longer needed them, they were abandoned.
They love children… it is said that the Skyrian horse is the best horse for children to ride. In fact, several of the 90 Skyrian horses are helping children learn to ride at their Foundation Academy.
IMMEDIATE PERIL – THE GREEK FINANCIAL CRISIS! – They need money for food and medical care! Their caretakers’ accounts are frozen due to the financial crisis!
By the 1970s, their numbers had dwindled so dramatically, it was feared that the breed was gone forever. The last few horses were rounded up and protected. A private foundation was set up to promote the most viable genetics within this tiny herd.
Forty years later, the once miniscule herd has grown to 270 horses.
That’s it. 270. 270 Skyrian horses. Total.
These 270 ancient Skyros horses are presently struggling to eat only because they have the misfortune of living on Skyros and Corfu in Greece, during the human economic crisis happening right now.
The Foundations caring for the herds have not had access to their frozen bank accounts.
Even with no funds, their caretakers are doing everything in their power to find hay and rations for their beloved, fledgling herd.
The good news…
We have found a way to send the caretakers the money they desperately need.
Mares and babies – the hope, the continuation…
One of the few stallions – look how tractable. They are known to love humans, even when totally wild.
Mostly bays…some blacks, white and greys.
WHY HELP SAVE THEM?
Not only are their genetics rare and totally unique to modern horses, but so are their personalities.
The Skyros horses have an uncanny affinity for humans – especially kids.
IMAGINE THIS: On Skyros, when the farmers needed the wild Skyros horses to help them till their fields, they would round up the horses and use them to plow. Yesteryear photographs show the wild horses working in teams for the farmers. They would be ridden and worked… and then let go (back to the wild) when the harvest was done.
This happened every year. The horses would come down during the Spring, exchange food for work, and then go back into the mountains for Fall and Winter.
Amazing.
This companionship with man is built into them! It is who they are as a breed.
They are strong, proud, personable, willing, generous and outstanding teachers for children.
The future.
We can help this herd during the human economic crisis!
LET’S NOT LET THAT AWFUL MOMENT HAPPEN – WHEN HUMANS REALIZE THAT THEY COULD HAVE SAVED THE ONLY ONES LEFT…
Your donation is 100% Tax deductible! (Thank you!)
A symbiotic relationship bred into them over thousands of years…
BONUS!
Horsefly Films has donated 10 of their beautifully shot, informative and Award winning Rare Equine Trust film, ‘OF GODS AND KINGS, THE SKYROS HORSE’ for this Bucket Fund!
To purchase your OF GOD AND KINGS DVD for $25, click here! (shipping included)
Click image to purchase this beautifully shot informative story of the history of the Skyros horse. Gorgeous! Only 10 available for $25!
