Between the 1st and 3rd of August 2025, our outreach team visited the island of Evoia to provide essential veterinary, dentistry and farriery services. Traveling long distances, veterinarian Kostas Okkas, equine dental technician Alkis Gkeskos and farrier Vaios Bakratsas reached 8 villages across four different areas of Evoia, treating 38 equines (25 horses, 5 donkeys and 8 mules), as well as a little dog!
A return to the fire-affected areas
In August 2021 massive wildfires ravaged the once-lush northern pine forests of Evoia. Among the casualties was the equine shelter Rancheros that, though severely damaged, managed to save all its animals thanks to the incredible courage of its owners. Animal Action Greece responded back then with financial aid and vital equipment, helping the shelter get back on its feet. Since then, the shelter has made a remarkable recovery from the immense natural, financial and psychological damages. The water tank, fencing, and other essential infrastructure have been rebuilt, and the owners, Nancy and Deppy, continue their tireless efforts to care for rescued horses, mules and donkeys.
Fulfilling a long-standing promise, our Equine Care Programme team had planned a visit to Rancheros and the areas around, for the last weekend of July. However a last-minute flu outbreak of one of the team members forced a postponement. Fortunately, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise—it allowed our team and the animals to avoid the 42°C heatwave of that period and reschedule just a week later, when temperatures had returned back to normal.
Services at the shelter
During our visit to the Rancheros shelter, every resident animal received care. Routine dental and hoof treatments were carried out, with the support of enthusiastic volunteers. While no major issues were identified, our team’s services were deeply appreciated—basic care like trimming hooves and floating teeth can dramatically improve an animal’s wellbeing.
Our vet offered equine advice and also tended to Taylor, one of the shelter’s dogs, who had a painful abscess. A careful examination revealed an embedded awn, which was removed, bringing immediate relief.
One memorable moment involved Filippos, a nervous gelding with a traumatic past. He’s known to calm down only when he hears football commentary. Sensing his tension—even after sedation, our dental technician started narrating an imaginary football match, using the horses’ names as players! It worked. Filippos relaxed, allowing for a stress-free treatment.
Reaching Out to the Wider Community
Beyond the shelter, our team visited a stable that is part of a community initiative supporting children with special needs and offering riding therapy lessons. The dedication of the owner was evident, but due to some previous difficulties some of the horses were found in low body condition scores. Our vet spent time discussing improved feeding protocols, while our dental technician and farrier offered their much-needed services. The visit marked the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term collaboration. As always, veterinarian and Equine Care Programme Coordinator Elisa will maintain contact to offer ongoing support.
Working equines in forestry
One day was dedicated to helping forestry equines—massive, powerful mules used to haul logs from areas inaccessible to machines, in works aimed at helping the burnt forest regenerate, where machines are unable to enter. Their sheer size presented unique challenges: for some of them, even the – already elongated for big size equines – dental gag’s belt couldn’t reach the buckle! Yet despite their strength, these animals were gentle giants, and their owners showed a genuine interest in learning more about their care. We were relieved to find a culture of respect toward these working animals, and provided guidance on everything from hoof balance to nutrition. One important discussion focused on a particular shoe type commonly used for forestry mules—its rigid design can’t be adjusted, which risks long-term hoof damage.
Building Trust in New Territories
On the final day, the team traveled to the northwest of Evoia, visiting more equines and engaging with new owners. Some were cautious, choosing to observe without bringing their animals—an understandable reaction in areas being visited for the first time. Still, important connections were made, and we’re hopeful that trust will grow, opening the door to better animal welfare in these communities.
Key Treatments & Outcomes
Throughout the outreach, every equine’s mouth was checked and treated. Most had sharp enamel points, and several presented more complex dental issues such as large hooks – one serious case requiring motorised equipment – , rostral ramps, and accentuated transverse ridges. A senior donkey with a painful loose incisor had the tooth extracted, offering relief and allowing him to grab food comfortably again.
All hooves needing attention were trimmed and balanced. Common issues included slight overgrowth, cracks, and thrush. Our farrier also advised on better shoeing practices for forestry work to prevent further damage.
This visit to Evoia reminded us of the power of perseverance, the importance of trust-building, and the incredible bond between people and animals. We are grateful to everyone who welcomed our team, especially those starting their journey toward better equine care. With every outreach, we aim not only to treat but to educate—and above all, to empower local communities to provide lifelong welfare for their animals.