The equestrian world is facing a heartbreaking threat to one of its most treasured rare breeds. The Sirhowy Stud in Farnham, Surrey—home to the world’s largest recognized herd of Caspian horses—stands at a critical crossroads. With 50 magnificent animals in their care, this sanctuary represents over a third of all Caspian horses in the UK, making its future survival paramount for the entire breed.
A Breed Back From the Brink
These extraordinary small horses seemed lost to history until zoologist Louise Firouz made an astounding discovery in Iran in 1975—they weren’t extinct after all! The Caspian breed’s remarkable rediscovery thrilled horse lovers worldwide, and Sirhowy Stud has become the guardian of an incredible legacy. In fact, the herd is the only one in the world containing all 28 bloodlines discovered by Firouz herself—a distinction that makes it irreplaceable.
From Breeding Excellence to Therapy Heroes
Founded by dedicated breeder Naomi Thomas in 1987, Sirhowy Stud has evolved into so much more than a traditional breeding facility. The stud has embraced an innovative mission as an equine-assisted therapy center, harnessing the Caspians’ famously gentle and cooperative temperaments to support people struggling with mental health challenges. These small but mighty horses are proving that size doesn’t determine the depth of their healing impact.
Perfect Partners for Young Riders
Don’t let their petite stature fool you—Caspians are phenomenal children’s ponies with impressive athletic abilities. They’re known for surprising speed and genuine jumping talent, making them ideal first mounts for young equestrians. Though they’re increasingly difficult to find outside of breeding programs, these rare gems represent some of the finest bloodstock available for serious riders and breeders.
A Stud Under Pressure
The past year has tested Sirhowy Stud like never before. The Beast from the East winter and the subsequent scorching summer created a devastating one-two punch to the stud’s finances. During the hot months, the lack of grazing meant every single horse required supplemental hay—an enormous expense that quickly depleted resources.
“I was feeding every horse on the property winter hay last summer because we had no grass,” explained Naomi Thomas, her concern evident. “I have used my savings to keep the stud and the therapy center going, but now we are looking for sponsors to come forward. I have tried every avenue before asking for help, but we now risk losing the herd.”
A Crucial Moment for Horse Lovers
With the closure of the UK’s two other major Caspian studs five years ago, Sirhowy stands alone as the nation’s largest herd. This isn’t just about preserving horses—it’s about safeguarding an ancient breed’s future and continuing vital therapeutic work that transforms lives daily.
If you’re passionate about rare horse breeds, equine therapy, or simply preserving equestrian heritage, the Sirhowy Stud needs your support now. Whether through sponsorship, partnerships, or spreading the word, every contribution helps ensure these remarkable Caspians continue to thrive for generations to come.