| 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 Pilion Ride itinerary is an 8-day trip riding 4-6 hours a day through some of the most beautiful Greek countryside on the lovely Pilion Peninsula.
If that isn't enough, consider the 8-day Alexander Ride. It starts at Thessaloniki and covers an arc of beautiful Greek countryside.Overnight accommodations are in small, intimate bed-and-breakfasts which you would never see on a standard tour. The cost is right too, about $125 a day, including meals, lodging, and, of course, your horse and guide.
| Ancient Greeks saw spectral white horses in crashing waves on the shore. Poseidon, Lord of the Sea, was also lord of horses. |
The blending of human and horse was immortalized in the tales of the Greek centaurs, including the wise Cheiron. 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".
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 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.
Horse-related Links:
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.
Horseback Riding Vacations
Full-package tours, including treks (extended trips through the Greek countryside) or stationary (riding at one facility). From Hidden Trails.
Horseback Riding on Cyprus
Cyprus is horse-crazy and offers a number of riding schools and trekking organizations.
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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