We are Emma and Katie, two of the many volunteers who support Skyros Island Horse Trust. Due to our belief in this project, we want to offer our support once more by giving a helping hand to raise the money for 600 bales of hay for the 34 critically endangered Skyrian horses at the project. Amanda Simpson and Stathis Katsarelias have dedicated the last 14 years of their lives, at great cost to themselves, to conserving this ancient and critically endangered rare breed through their project on the island of Skyros in Greece. They also aim to improve horse welfare on the island and set an example of best practice to the local community and the international volunteers.

Each donation enables the Skyrian horses in Amanda and Stathis’ care to continue to thrive at the farm and extends the impact of the project to the wider community, both in Skyros and through international volunteers. There are no paid administration or farm staff at the project: it is run entirely by volunteers out of passion for our cause, so every penny of your donation goes straight to the horses.

Finding the funds to care for 34 hungry horses is a constant challenge, so we hope that you will support us with your generosity during this Christmas hay appeal. This year we received a small European grant aimed at rare breed conservation, but it is only a drop in the ocean, and it is just not enough to buy all the hay we need for the year. So we’re asking for your help.

We need to raise £3500 to purchase:

- 600 bales of hay @ approx. 7 euros each

- 26 syringes of wormer for 34 small horses

Any funds raised over the £3500 mark will be very well spent. This extra money will be put towards annual essential medical supplies, the continual maintenance of shelters and farm equipment and help with veterinary and dental care.

Each donor will receive a Thank You message via JustGiving and we will also thank donors publicly on our Facebook page twice a week. This year we also hope to offer you a little Christmas cheer with a beautiful Skyrian Horse Christmas themed piece of artwork, generously created by volunteer Emma, that can be used as an email Christmas card or table decoration. Please message us on Facebook or email skyrosislandhorsetrust@gmail.com to receive yours.

For further information about the project please visit https://skyrosislandhorsetrust.com/ and like our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftheskyrianhorse/) to keep updated about life on the farm.