Konik

The Polish Konik is a compact, economical and very hardy breed with primitive markings and strong adaptation to semi-feral management.

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Breed information

Country: Poland
Height: 130–140 cm
Weight: about 400 kg
Coat: dense mouse-grey coat with a dark dorsal stripe and dark lower legs
Suitable for: conservation grazing, light driving, rural tourism, education and equine-assisted therapy

Tags

horse pony hardy native breed Poland

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 8/10

Trainability 7/10

Good with children 8/10

Shedding 7/10

Guarding 3/10

Care 4/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Polish Konik is a sturdy and highly resilient breed. Petsi lists a height of 130–140 cm and a weight of about 400 kg. Mouse-grey colouring, a dark dorsal stripe and hard hooves are typical.

History

The modern population was developed in twentieth-century Poland in programmes aiming to preserve a phenotype reminiscent of the extinct European tarpan.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Koniks are independent and hardy but usually balanced and adaptable to people.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

The breed is adapted to modest feed and can become overweight, so turnout, forage, water and basic hoof and dental care are important.