Information on the Polish Draft Horse

The Polish Konik draft pony makes an excellent children's pony.

Agricultural growth in the mid-19th century initiated the import of cold blooded horses into Poland. Several breeds derived from local mares bred with heavy horses developed in various regions. Draft horses remain quite common in Poland, but the population declines with every agricultural advancement. Nowe Jankowice and Bielin state breeding stud farms fight to keep the Polish Draft breeds thriving.

History

After World War II, the Polish developed several draft horse breeds using native, local mares. Ardennes and Belgian draft horses served as studs, forming a common bond in the Polish Draft, which now comprises approximately 60% of Poland's horse population. Polish Draft horses mature rather early and are eager farm workers. Unfortunately, when a Polish Draft becomes unable to work, he's shipped to the slaughterhouse for meat production. There are currently around 8,000 registered Polish Draft mares.

Description

Polish Draft actually refers to five main types of horses. Though all are called "Polish Draft," each breed is bred in different areas of Poland for varying purposes. The head in each breed tends to be large, the bodies sound and robust. Polish Drafts possess sloping shoulders and short limbs, giving them ultimate pulling ability for forestry, farming and hauling. The average height for all Polish Draft breeds is 14.3 to 16.0 hands high. Polish Drafts have prevailing colors of chestnut, roan and bay. The temperament amongst the breeds is docile, adaptable and patient. The five primary breeds of Polish Draft are Lowicz, Sztum, Sokólka, Garwolin and Lidzbark.

Heavy Polish Draft Breeds

Based on the Ardennes and Belgian breeds, the Sztum is the largest and heaviest Polish Draft breed. The Lowicz is similar to the Sztum only lighter. The Sokólka derived from Ardennes breeding stock with dominant Breton and Dole blood. The Garwolin resembles the Sokólka with more prominent Boulonnais breeding. Descending from Oszmian horses, a mix of West European coldbloods and the North Swedish Horse, came the Lidzbark breed.

Light Polish Draft Breeds

The Malapolski breed evolved in Poland during the 19th century. The breed developed through a combination of Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, Shagya, Gidran, Thoroughbred, Furioso, Austrian Hungarian half-bred and Przedswit breeds. Two predominant strains of Malapolski horses emerged, the Sadecki and the Darbowsko-Tarnowski. All Malapolski horses are versatile and widely used for light draft work and agricultural purposes. They are athletic and frequently found successfully steeplechasing.

Polish Draft Pony

The Konik, meaning "little horse," is a breed of ancient descent found primarily in the lowland farm regions of Poland. The Polish Konik is a riding draft pony that is still used in all areas of agriculture, especially at market gardening farms. In appearance, the Konik retains primitive Tarpan characteristics. The Konik breed possesses a mousy dun color, dark dorsal stripe and dark wither stripes.

References

• "The Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies", Tamsin Pickeral, 2001
• Virginia Draft Horse & Mule Association: Draft Horse and Mule FAQs