Messara

The Messara is also known as the Cretan horse. This light draft and riding breed lives on the Greek island of Crete. It is named after the Mesara Plain where it is usually found. Its ancestors date back to over a thousand years. The crossing of native mares and Arabian stallions resulted in this breed. The Arabians were brought into the area during the 17^th century Turkish occupation. Today, the Messara is very rare with only a hundred horses surviving. A conservation program has been established to ensure the survival of this horse breed. When it comes to appearance, this breed is available in various coat colors. These include brown, bay, gray, and black. The Messara horses display characteristics of their Arabian horse ancestors. They have an easy and natural pacing gait. This makes them comfortable for riding. Further, this breed is very efficient in walking on rocky and difficult terrain. Used for light farm work and transportation, the Messara horse is more so used for racing and riding. Hinnies are produced by crossing this horse with female donkeys, which are known as Jennies. The studbook for this breed was established in 1994.