Konik Pony
The
Konil, which means 'little horse' in Polish, is a breed of ancient descent found
mainly in the lowland farm areas of Poland, East of the San river, and also in
other parts of Eastern Europe, to where it has been exported. The Konik pony is
mainly bred at the state stud of Jezewice and at Popielno, where it is
selectively bred to maintain the breed characteristics. The Konik pony resembles
the Hucul, its close neighbor, and both are believed to be descended from the
Tarpan,. The Konik pony has been instrumental in re-establishing the 'new Tarpan'
and the wild herd at Popielno is largely made up of Konik blood.
The Konik pony was a central part of local life and was used in all areas of agriculture, especially at market gardening farms, where they are still employed. Although many Koniks are privately owned by small farmers, during the 20th century the reed began to decline as larger draft animals were used instead. Numbers have since recovered and it has started to gain in popularity. They make excellent children's ponies due to their very docile and willing temperament, and this is now their main use. They are also good light draft animals. They have had some infusion of Arab blood over the years which has given the Konik a certain refinement, attractiveness and presence. They are typically tough and hardy, economical to feed, long lived, and fertile - all qualities which make them highly attractive within the local community and also across Europe.
In appearance, they retain some primitive characteristics associated with the Tarpan and are nearly always the primitive mouse dun color, with a nicely proportioned head of a workmanlike character, small ears and lively eyes. The neck is short and muscular and runs into low withers. The shoulders are rather upright which accounts for their poor action, but makes them useful in harness. They are compact and strong through the back and body, with a good depth of girth, and sloping quarters with a reasonably low-set tail. The legs are sturdy and strong with good bone density and hard feet. Occasionally they may exhibit sickle hocks. They tend not to exceed 13 hh.