Origin
Poland
History
Expansion of agriculture in the middle of the 19th centruy launched the import of coldblooded horses of different breeds into Poland. Based on local native mares, the breeding of several types of draft horse developed in various regions of the country. Polish Draft horses are known by various names depending on the area of their breeding:
-the Sztum, based on the Ardennes and belgian breeds
-the Lowicz, similar to the Sztum but somewhat lighter
-the Sokólka, also based on the Ardennes stock but with some Breton and Dole blood
-the Garwolin, similar to the Sokólka except that some Boulonnais blood was used
-the Lidzbark, descending from the Oszmian horses which were a mix of West European coldbloods and the North Swedish Horse
-the smallest Polish Draft breed is the Kopczyk Podlaski, descended from a stallion foaled in Podlaska in 1921
Draft horses are common throughout Poland, but their population is declining with increasing mechanization in agriculture. State breeding is carried on at two stud farms: Nowe Jankowice and Bielin Nowy.
Description
- Head:
tends to be large - Conformation:
the Polish draft horses are sound and robust. They have sloping shoulders and short, deep bodies. The limbs are short with little feathering. The Sztum is the largest and heaviest of the Polish draft horses. - Average height:
14.3 to 16 h.h. - Colour:
prevailing colours are chestnut, roan and bay - Temperament:
docile, adaptable and patient - Today:
they are excellent working horses and they are still widely used for forestry, farming, hauling and pack work. However, they are also used for meat production.
