Konik

Origin
Poland

History
The Konik descends from the Tarpan and retains much of its ancestor´s characteristics and looks. At the turn of the 19^th century, with the intensification of the agriculture, the Konik could not compete with the large draft breeds of western Europe and its breeding began to decline.
Between the two World Wars, efforts were made to maintain the breed. A reserve of more than 5000 acres, which still exists was founded in 1954 by the experimental department of the Polish Academy of Science in Popielno. Here, the horses run wild the whole year.
The Konik is also bred at the state stud at Jezewice and by many small farmers.

Description

• Conformation:
  the Konik has a rectangular, low-set body and a rather large chest and cannon circumference
• Average height:
  12.3 to 13.3 h.h.
• Colour:
  many animals have the typical Tarpan colouring-mouse-dun with a black dorsal stripe
• Temperament:
  kind, docile, good nature
• Today:
  Koniks are good working horses, valued especially in gardening farms. They are also used as riding horses for children.