Horses in Greece

Horses in Greece are a symbol of prestige, associated as far back as antiquity with military cavalry and chariot races on racings. Horses are also very present in Greek mythology.

As in many European countries, the horse population in Greece fell sharply with the motorization of transport. Greece still has a few populations of horses that have returned to the wild.

History
The horse probably arrived in Greece from Asia Minor around 1600 BC, with the use of the chariot.

The equestrian world of ancient Greece is best known to us thanks to Xenophon, an Athenian soldier and philosopher who left numerous writings. Thessaly is one of the most famous horse-breeding regions, and the birthplace of Bucephalus.

The role of the horse was essentially that of a mount or human conveyor; indeed, for transporting goods, the donkey and mule were both cheaper to buy and more efficient on rough terrain. The stirrup was unknown in ancient Greece, but the spur and bridle were used.

During the 20th century, the Greek horse population declined sharply.

Breeding
The horse population in Greece stood at around 30,000 in the 2010s. Most Greek horse breeds are in danger of extinction.

Greece is home to populations of feral horses, former domestic horses returned to the wild, on several of its islands, in mountainous areas and deltas.

In culture
Since ancient Greek times, the horse has been associated with the prestige and nobility of its owner, and symbolizes wealth, as demonstrated by numerous texts including the Iliad, where King Nestor equates captured horses with precious booty.

The names of famous horses are recorded in Greek mythological texts.

Denomination
Belgian linguist Louis Deroy studies the structure of the word horse in ancient Greek, ἱππος (hippos). The word is thought to derive from the Indo-European *h₁éḱwos. Deroy postulates that the transition from Indo-European to Ancient Greek took place via an archaic word for donkey as well as mule and horse, *èπος.