Skyrian Horses needs help

We are a small non-profit organisation based on the breeding of the endangered (300 worldwide) small-sized Skyrian horse, one of the rarest and most ancient breed of horse in the world. As we receive very little help from the government (we used to receive none but recently entered a new European programme which hopefully will make things a bit easier), the whole conservation of the breed depends upon our volunteers' and our own work! The main goal of the organisation is the controlled breeding of the horses so as to avoid in-breeding which within such a small population could have dramatic consequences. The breed has also been the object of several studies in Greece and abroad, particularly to examinate its unique DNA and try to understand where it comes from and why it is so different from other horse breeds on the planet. Another important part of our work is the promotion of the breed at home and abroad, through interviews, documentary movies and good online communication. The aim is to find people interested in buying or adopting horses that could go away to good homes (!) so that we can keep breeding better quality horses every year.

We need help with the horses and also with some tasks in the fields during the spring and summer months. If you have some experience with horses you can help train them (groundwork but no riding as our horses are "mini", ie. suitable only for small children) but if you don't have any experience in this field it's not a problem as we will show you what you need to know. If you come early in the season, the help required will consist of cleaning fields, feeding horses, fixing and painting fences, building shelters, preparing the campsite, etc. During the Summer months, the main works consist of feeding and watering horses, cleaning the fields that are near houses, informing visitors about our work, preparing the horses, and leading rides for the children. Since 2018 I have also started giving riding classes in the morning, so experienced volunteers can also help handling the horses and helping the kids during the lessons. Very experienced and gentle volunteers only might also be trusted with one or more horses to train. Please note all training and riding is done bitless, and the training often has to be done earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest hours and be available when the visitors arrive. You can also contact us if you have any special skills (photography, communication, translation…) which could be helpful to us in any way in our conservation programs. Greek-speaking volunteers will be used in guided tours and to inform those interested in the organization. Volunteers at the farm help about 4-5 hours a day, 6 days a week. We expect you to be flexible on that (time and days), we do not want people who will run away at the end of the shift if there is still help required and it takes 10 or 15 minutes. We want to host people who are genuinely interested in the project and really want to help with it. In the Summer, volunteers are separated in two teams, one volunteering in the morning from 9:00 to 13:00, and the other in the afternoon from 16:30 to 20:30 . There is a possibility for some volunteers to work two hours in the morning shift and two hours in the afternoon. These working times are subject to change if, for example, the working horses need to be fed earlier in the morning, so that sometimes one or two volunteers will be asked to do the feeding outside of these hours (they will then have a shorter shift that same day or another). Also, volunteers at some stage might do volunteer work outside the farm, for the well-being of the island. For example, clean beaches or clear paths which people have difficult access. A simple breakfast is provided by us (bread, chocolate, honey) and we provide lunch at the taverna every day. Dinner is not provided but you can find a fridge, a microwave, and essential cooking facilities at the campsite to prepare your own dinner. Volunteers might be asked to give a hand with very simple tasks at the taverna where we will have breakfast and lunch, such as sweeping the floor or setting the table. Organized camping facilities are waiting for you in an olive grove right next to our farm and each volunteer will have their own tent (not waterproof). Couples and friends may have to share a tent in the Summer when we have many volunteers. There are 2 outdoor showers and 1 toilet in the camp. Our last attempt at building compost toilets in the camp wasn't exactly a success so anyone with experience is welcome to help with this :-) The tents do not have proper mattresses, we will provide a yoga mat for your tent, or you are welcome to bring your own camping mattress. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and/or sheets. Of course, you could bring your tent and mattress.