Horse breeds / Messara
Photo: Tsaag Valren · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Messara
The Messara is a small, hardy horse from Crete, named for the Messara plain in the island's south. It developed over centuries under harsh island conditions, where it was used as a working animal for farm labor, carrying loads, and transport across rough, mountainous terrain. Its compact build and sure footing made it well suited to that work.
Messara horses are known for being calm, steady, and willing. They tend to be sensible and tolerant, which makes them a reasonable choice for riders who want a dependable, low-drama partner. Their way of going is practical rather than flashy, and they are generally comfortable on uneven ground. Experienced handlers often appreciate their sturdiness, though casual riders should expect a horse that prefers work with a clear purpose.
Day to day, a Messara needs regular movement, a balanced diet, and company. Turnout, consistent handling, and a predictable routine help keep them content. Because they were bred to be useful and self-reliant, they usually do best with regular work rather than long stretches of idleness.
Good for: Trail riders, first-time owners, steady companions
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Greece |
Expect a steady, practical horse, and plan for careful feeding because small, easy-keeping horses can gain weight quickly.
Living with a Messara
Exercise
A healthy adult Messara benefits from daily movement, either ridden or in-hand, along with regular turnout. Work of around 30 to 60 minutes a day suits most horses in regular use. Too little exercise can lead to weight gain, stiffness, and boredom, which may show up as restlessness or poor behavior.
Grooming
The Messara has a dense coat that sheds seasonally, with a heavier winter coat that is shed in spring. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and reduces dust and debris. Mane and tail should be detangled gently. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks. Clipping is optiona
At home
Messara horses are generally hardy and adapt well to a range of climates, which suits owners who keep horses outdoors for much of the year. Daily turnout is best, with shelter from wind and wet. They do well in a herd and tend to get along with other horses. Their feed needs vary by individual, so monitor body condition closely and adjust hay and forage to avoid excess weight.
Training
Messara horses tend to learn steadily and respond well to patient, consistent handling. Their sure-footedness and calm nature suit trail work and general riding. They are not typically known as specialists in the more formal disciplines, but many can adapt to a variety of tasks. A green Messara usually needs time and repetition, and early work should focus on building trust and basic manners.
Health
Like many small, easy-keeping breeds, Messara horses can be prone to weight-related conditions such as laminitis if overfed or under-exercised. Metabolic issues are worth watching for in any horse with a tendency to gain weight. Because specific breed health data is limited, please ask a veterinarian for guidance on sc
- Laminitis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Messara
Forage and water, adult
16–26 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1213 lb (typical for the type), and 9–17 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,050–$5,200
Hay about $1,840, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Messara is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Messara
Shelters and breed rescues list Messaras and Messara mixes every week. Search adoptable Messaras on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Messara right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, sensible horse for trail riding.
- Yes if you can keep the horse in regular work and turnout.
- Yes if you value a hardy horse that handles varied terrain.
- Think twice if you want a highly specialized competition horse.
- Think twice if you cannot provide daily movement and herd time.
Questions owners ask
Is the Messara good for beginners?
Many owners find the Messara calm and sensible, which can suit beginners. Riders should still get instruction and have an experienced person assess the horse before buying.
How much does a Messara cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, bloodlines, and location. Because the breed is less common outside Greece, speak with breeders and local sellers for current figures.
How tall is a Messara?
Messara horses are generally considered small to medium in height. Exact measurements vary, so check with a breed registry or breeder for specific details.
How long do Messara horses live?
Like most horses, a well-cared-for Messara can live well into its twenties. Individual lifespan depends on genetics, care, and health.
Is the Messara an easy keeper?
Many small, hardy horses are easy keepers, and the Messara may be one. Monitor body condition, since easy keepers can gain weight on rich pasture.
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.