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Konik Horse
History of Konik HorseKonik horse is not exactly a wild horse. It draws its lineage from the Tarpan. To be more specific, their ancestors were the last to be caught among wild ones in the ancient forest of Bialowieza in Poland in the late part of 19th century. Then, they were taken to game preserve- Zwierzyniec close to Bilgoraj in Southeast Poland. After the preserve was over, the farmers in the area got these horses. They managed to maintain their primitive traits as the land was poor and they had to live a wild life. They were not provided with much care. Contamination of outside blood must have taken place but Konik horses of Poland appear to have retained several characteristics of Tarpan. In early part of the past century, scientists developed interest in Tarpan. Several Tarpan descendants were studied under feral or nearly feral conditions. Twelve brood mares with their offspring and one stallion were brought to Popielno in Poland in 1949. They were all the descendants of Vetulani/ Bialowieza. Of the experiment or study conducted on Tarpan descendants, 15 more had survived in the primitive forest of Bialowieza. Physique of Konik HorseThis is a well-proportioned breed and very similar to the Hucul, to which it is closely related. Konik horse is short-heighted. It has a tough and solid build. The head is light and has a straight profile. Its neck emerges low out of the chest. This horse has a deep chest and its mane is thick. It is extremely robust and can thrive on poor fare. Height of Konik HorseThe Konik horse attains the height of about 13.1 hands high. Body Color of Konik HorseThe Konik horses are seen in mouse gray or grullo coat with dorsal stripe. Some of them are said to grow white winter coats. Temperament of Konik HorseKonik horse is tough, quiet and independent. It is willing and good-natured but at times is stubborn. Uses of Konik HorseKonik horses are used in harness. They are also used for light draft work and are suited well for this purpose because of their strong body. For the purpose of draught and riding also, these horses are used extensively. They also seem to be good children’s ponies. Konik horse is a near relative of the Tarpan. It is one of the foundation breeds of Eastern Europe and has influenced most of the Polish and Russian horses and ponies. It combines the toughness and frugality of the Tarpan with a kind disposition and willingness to learn. It makes it easy to train and a productive worker. It is as important to the economy of lowland farmers as the Hucul is to the hill farmers. It is so much in demand as a work pony both in Poland and in neighboring countries that it is widely bred by farmers and on State studs. The existence of the Konik pony seems secured because of the industrious efforts of the Polish Academy of Sciences. |
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The Konik horse is a pony breed that originated from Poland. Konik means little horse in Polish. These horses have a remarkably long lifespan and high fertility. They are often cow-hocked. They are used as farm horses in Poland as they are strong and sturdy despite their small size. Their action is very poorly developed, as they were more popular as a draft pony rather than a riding pony. It is very easy to breed Konik horse. It is durable and economical to keep and does not ask for plenty of food.