Posted by 🐴 History, Uses & Riding Holidays
Horses have been part of Greek culture since antiquity. They play a major role in mythology – think of Pegasus, the winged horse, or the chariots of the gods.
Today, horses are seen less frequently in Greece than goats or donkeys, but they are still a part of rural life – especially on the mainland and in the mountains.
This article shows you where horses live in Greece, how they are kept, what breeds exist, and where you can go on riding excursions or riding holidays.
🏺 Horses in Greek History
Even in ancient Greece, horses were a symbol of wealth and power.
They are mentioned several times in Homer’s “Iliad” – as part of the army or in chariot races.
Horses also played a major role in the Olympic Games: chariot racing and equestrian competitions were among the oldest disciplines.
Famous Horses of Mythology:
Pegasus – the winged horse, symbol of freedom
Bucephalus – the horse of Alexander the Great
Xanthos & Balios – the divine horses of Achilles
Even today, many Greek statues and mosaics recall the importance of the horse in antiquity.
🐎 Horse Keeping in Greece Today
Horses in Greece are mostly kept in the traditional way today – not in large stables, but on small family farms, on private farms, or by hobby riders.
They serve as:
Riding horses for tourists
Working animals in agriculture (now rare)
Sport horses in show jumping and dressage competitions
Therapy horses at riding centers and NGOs
In the countryside and on the islands, horses mostly live outdoors. They are robust, accustomed to the heat, and very sure-footed – ideal for the rocky terrain of Greece.
🏞️ Where to see horses in Greece
Horses can be found throughout the mainland and on many islands.
Particularly well-known are:
| Region / Island | Description |
|---|---|
| Peloponnes | Many farmers traditionally keep horses for transport and celebrations |
| Thessaly (Larissa, Trikala) | Center of horse breeding in Northern Greece |
| Crete | Equestrian centers near Chania, Georgioupolis and Rethymno |
| Rhodes | Horse riding excursions through pine forests and coastal landscapes |
| Corfu | Well-known riding stables for holidaymakers |
| Santorini | Horses are rarely used anymore, formerly for carts |
| Meteora / Central Greece | Horse riding through mountain landscapes and monastery valleys |
🐴 Greek horse breeds
Greece has several native horse breeds that have adapted to the climate and landscape over centuries.
🇬🇷 Thessalian Horse
Originally a war and work horse
Today mostly a leisure and sport horse
Medium-sized (1.45–1.55 m)
Calm, strong temperament
Very sure-footed – popular for trail riding
🇬🇷 Skyros Pony
Small horse, originating from the island of Skyros
One of the oldest horse breeds in Europe
Size: only 1–1.10 meters at the shoulder
Gentle, friendly, intelligent
Critically endangered today (only a few hundred animals remain)
💡 The Skyros Pony is considered a living cultural heritage of Greece.
On the island of Skyros, there are small protected areas where the animals live freely and are cared for.
🇬🇷 Cretan Pony (Kritiko)
Robust and adapted to the heat
Small, sturdily built
Formerly a pack and work horse in the mountains
Rare today, but still found in Crete
Preserved by breeders and riding stables
🇬🇷 Messara Horse
Originating in Crete, a cross between Arabian and Cretan horses
Elegant, enduring, and gentle
Ideally suited for riding excursions in the mountains
Conserved through targeted efforts due to its small population
🐎 Horse riding in Greece – holidays with horses
Horse riding tourism in Greece has grown significantly in recent years.
More and more travelers are seeking authentic nature experiences – and horseback riding is the perfect fit.
🏝️ Popular regions for horse riding holidays
| Location / Island | Description |
|---|---|
| Crete | Riding stables in Georgioupolis, Avdou and Heraklion; rides on the beach and in the mountains |
| Corfu | Rolling hills, olive groves and beaches; many German-speaking operators |
| Rhodes | Coastal rides near Faliraki and Apolakkia |
| Peloponnes | Large equestrian farms in Kalamata & Gythio |
| Meteora / Thessaly | Horse riding with a view of rock monasteries – spectacular |
| Skyros | Visit to see the famous Skyros ponies is possible |
💡 Many riding stables also offer therapy programs for children or yoga & riding retreats.
🧭 Horseback Riding for Vacationers
On many islands, you can book horseback riding excursions directly – often through local providers or platforms like GetYourGuide.
The tours usually last 1–3 hours and lead through olive groves, along the beach, or into the mountains.
Popular Tours:
Sunset Ride in Crete
Beach Ride near Faliraki (Rhodes)
Horseback Riding on Lake Antinioti (Corfu)
Mountain Trail near Georgioupolis
💡 Tip: Only book tours with reputable providers who prioritize animal welfare.
The horses should be well-groomed, not overheated, and never left in the sun for too long.
⚖️ Horse Husbandry & Animal Welfare
Greece has similar animal welfare laws to those in the EU,
but their implementation varies considerably from region to region.
… Many riding stables and NGOs are working towards:
species-appropriate husbandry (shade, turnout, water)
fewer working horses at festivals
animal-friendly equestrian tourism
medical care in cooperation with veterinarians
Organizations like Animal Action Greece and The Greek Horse Protection Society are particularly committed to helping old and mistreated working horses.
🐴 Horses in Festivals and Traditions
In rural areas – especially on the mainland – horses still hold cultural significance.
Examples:
Religious processions with riders on holidays
Horse races in Thessaly (summer festivals, folk events)
Harvest festivals and village fairs where horses are decorated
These festivals are colorful, lively, and attract large crowds.
🏇 Equestrian Sports in Greece
Equestrian sports aren’t a mass sport, but there are several riding clubs and tournaments:
Athens Equestrian Club (Dressage & Show Jumping)
Hellenic Equestrian Federation – Official Federation
Youth programs for children & teenagers
Greece has participated in the equestrian events at the Olympic Games several times – most recently with small but dedicated teams.
🧭 Conclusion: Horses in Greece – Between Tradition & Tourism
Horses are no longer everyday animals, but they have retained their place in Greece – in culture, in sports, and in sustainable tourism.
Whether you see a Skyros pony, ride on a Cretan beach, or simply encounter a working horse in a village – they show you a piece of authentic Greece.
Here, horses are not just a means of transport, but a living link between past and present.