The small-bodied species of the Skyrian horse that stands at 9.1 and 11 hands is one of the rarest breeds of the world. Skyros horses are native to Greece and roamed throughout the country in antiquity. They are depicted on Parthenon friezes and it is possible that they were used by Alexander the Great in his conquests. These days they are only found in the wild on the island of Skyros, an island on the southernmost tip of the Sporades. They were first brought to this island by Athenian colonists during the 5th to 8th centuries B.C. They are friendly, social, robust and intelligent animals however their numbers are dwindling. The Silva Project, Skyrian Island Horse Trust and Skyrian Horse Society are working to save the breed from extinction.