Name: Studbook de l’Andravida Horse (Andravida Horse Studbook)
Founded: 1995
The Eleia horse, also known as Andravida, originates from the region of Elis (Élide) in the western Peloponnese, Greece.
Its roots go back to Antiquity: the local horses, hardy and enduring, were used by the Greeks for warfare, chariot racing, and agricultural work.
From the 19th century and especially in the early 20th century, the local horse population was crossed with Anglo-Norman and Hungarian Nonius horses, in order to increase their size, strength, and traction ability.
The result was a light draft and saddle horse, adapted to Mediterranean terrains and for versatile use.
In 1995, facing the alarming decline in numbers, an official stud-book was created to preserve this endangered breed.
As a direct descendant of the indigenous horses of Elis, the Eleia is one of the few surviving representatives of the Greek equine heritage, maintaining some ancient morphological traits.
Its robust morphology, hard hooves, and ability to work in heat and on rugged terrain make it a remarkable example of genetic adaptation to the climate and landscape of the Peloponnese.
With very low population numbers, the breed represents a valuable but threatened genetic pool, requiring careful management to prevent inbreeding.
Although its impact on other modern breeds is limited due to its rarity, it resulted from planned crossbreeding (Anglo-Norman, Nonius) that created an interesting genetic heritage for light draft horses suited to southern Europe.
Recognized by local endangered breed preservation programs in Greece, it is considered a priority for conservation to maintain the equine genetic diversity of the Mediterranean
The Andravida, also known as Eleia, traces back to Ancient Greece. Elis, home to the city of Olympia, was renowned for its horse breeding, with animals used in Panhellenic games and in the cavalry of Greek city-states. These hardy and enduring horses served in both chariot racing and military campaigns.
Over the centuries, the local horse population was enriched by Oriental bloodlines (notably Arabian and Turkish) during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. More recently, in the 19th–20th centuries, the Andravida was infused with European blood such as the Anglo-Norman and the Thoroughbred, to increase size and suitability for saddle and light draft work. These crosses produced a larger, more versatile model, while preserving the rusticity of the original Greek type.
Traditionally, the Andravida served as a cavalry horse for Greece’s military needs, but also as a farm workhorse. Its strength was sufficient for light field traction, while its balanced temperament made it suitable for transportation and domestic use.
After World War II, agricultural mechanization and the decline of cavalry caused a sharp population drop. By the 1970s–1980s, the breed was close to extinction. Only with the creation of an official stud-book in 1995 were conservation efforts undertaken. Despite this, the Andravida remains today an endangered breed, with only a few hundred individuals.
Today, the Andravida is recognized as a living heritage of Greece. It is mainly bred in the Ilia region (Elis), where it remains a cultural and rural symbol. Local and national associations strive to promote its breeding and ensure its genetic preservation.
The Andravida is renowned for its calm and steady character. As a descendant of horses long used in cavalry and agricultural work, it developed a docile and reliable nature, making it easy to handle.
Though generally composed, the Andravida retains sufficient energy for riding work and light traction. It is not known for excessive nervousness but shows good responsiveness when required.
Like most Greek horses, traditionally raised in small herds, the Andravida is sociable and adapts well to group life. It remains cooperative with both its companions and humans.
“Calm, versatile, and loyal, the Andravida embodies the traditional Greek workhorse, close to humans and resilient.”
Mainly in the north-western Peloponnese, around the plain of Elis (capital: Pyrgos) and neighboring villages.
Some dispersed breeders exist in other rural regions, notably Aetolia-Acarnania and Messenia, but always in very small numbers.
Unlike other Greek breeds, the Eleia horse has hardly ever been exported, making it virtually non-existent outside Greece.
The majority of individuals are owned by local farmers or enthusiasts, often for mixed use (driving, presentation, tradition).
The future of the Eleia horse is uncertain, but not without hope, thanks to local conservation initiatives.
With a very small number of breeding animals, the breed is classified as critically endangered. Without reinforced programs, it could disappear within a few decades.
The Greek Ministry of Agriculture and some rural associations are attempting to register individuals, avoid inbreeding, and encourage breeding through grants and awareness campaigns.
Promoting the breed during local festivals, historical re-enactments, and tourist events could increase public interest and encourage its conservation.
Improving numbers will depend on a controlled breeding plan, preserving its traditional morphology and temperament.
As a versatile, light draft, hardy, and docile horse, it could find a role in leisure driving or Mediterranean equestrian tourism, provided it is promoted nationally.
The Andravida is recognized for its robustness. Originating from a Mediterranean agricultural region, it was selected to withstand dry climates, poor soils, and limited care. This makes it a low-maintenance breed in terms of feeding and health.
Unlike some highly selected sport horse breeds, the Andravida does not present any widely known hereditary pathologies. The risks of genetic defects remain low, thanks to its diverse ancestry (Oriental and European inputs).
The main health threat comes from its small population size. The limited number of breeding individuals increases the risk of inbreeding, which may eventually compromise genetic diversity and favor the appearance of morphological or health issues.
Overall, the Andravida shows good longevity and resistance to common diseases. Like any horse, however, it requires regular veterinary care, including:
