Hay for the horses of Ipperos Farm in the burnt forest of N. Evia

This summer, devastating forest fires destroyed most of the lush pine forest of Northern Evia, in Greece. Ipperos farm, situated in the heart of the burnt area was spared thanks to the bravery of Sapfo and her team. As the fire was approaching and the fire brigade came to evacuate the human residents of Ipperos Farm, Sapfo decided to defy the order and stay to save her beloved horses together with all her other animals and the farm itself. With a handful of dedicated volunteers and her brother, the equine vet Vassili Papatheodorou, they fought against the fire for 40 agonising hours. Miraculously, Ipperos Farm was saved! However, all the beautiful forest surrounding the farm as well as the olive groves and the fields were completely destroyed by the fire.

As winter is approaching, there is nothing for the horses to graze on nor will there be in the foreseeable future as there is a restriction on grazing on burnt land. Also, the fires occurred at the peak of the tourist season, so this year the support Ipperos Farm gets from kind visitors has not come.

Things are difficult for Sapfo and the herd of horses she protects and cares for. Hay has to be bought soon as there is little to be found and it is getting more expensive by the day.

Can you help buy the winter hay for Ipperos Farm? Each bale of hay currently costs 5€ and the horses need 800 more bales to make it through the winter. Any kind donation will be very much appreciated.

Thank you for your time and compassion.