Wielkopolski

For horse enthusiasts, the Wielkopolski horse is definitely worth learning about.

This Polish breed is known for its elegance, athleticism, and good temperament.

If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, read on!

Wielkopolski Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Wielkopolski:

Height (size) 15.1 – 16.2 hands high
Colors Huge range of colors, including spotted and pinto coat patterns
Country of Origin Poland
Common Uses Jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, general riding

Wielkopolski Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The Wielkopolski is a type of horse that was developed in Poland in the 19th century and is suitable for light riding as well as driving.

Although the Wielkopolski breed is relatively new, historically Poland (or Prussia, as it was once called) was one of the top leading European horse-breeding countries.

Due to Poland’s long-standing and well-established trading routes with Turkey, Arabian horses were used for many centuries to improve the local horses, and Polish Arabians are to this day held in high regard.

A breed known as the Poznan was developed in the 19th century by crossing local Konik horses with Arabians, Trakehners, Hanoverians, and Thoroughbreds respectively.

Even though it was only bred at a small number of studs, the Poznan horse quickly rose to prominence as a popular middleweight farm and riding horse.

Due to its strength and resilience, it was used extensively in both World Wars, however, their numbers were decimated because of it.

Following WWII, a few Trakehners were discovered in Poland and sent to Mazury, where they became known as Mazurian horses.

Because the populations of both breeds were so low, it wasn’t long before Poznan and Mazurian horses were crossed, and in the 1960s they were merged into one breed: the Wielkopolski.

Since then, additional Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Anglo-Arab blood has been introduced to continue the breed’s development.

It is currently a well-liked option in its native country for equestrian sports.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

“Mazursko-Poznanski”

Temperament/Personality

Easy-going, sensible temperament

Physical Characteristics

The Wielkopolski horse is often seen as the Polish equivalent of the Anglo-Arab due to his athleticism, toughness, refinement, and willingness.

It has an easygoing disposition, a sound constitution and comfortable gaits.

The head is relatively small and fine, with a straight profile.

Their neck is long, well-set and muscular, and the shoulders are sloped.

The withers are pronounced, and the chest is wide and deep.

The croup is well-muscled, and the hindquarters are powerful.

The legs are muscular, with clearly defined joints and tendons.

Two types exist within the breed: a lighter type for sport (influenced more by Trakehner and Thoroughbred ), and a heavier type that is more used for general riding and driving.

Colors

Huge range of colors, including spotted and pinto coat patterns

Height (size)

15.1 – 16.2 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

Average 1,250 lbs (560 kg)

Blood Type

Warm

Common Uses

Jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, general riding

Health

n/a

Popular Traits

n/a

Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Poland

Ancestors

Poznan horse, Mazurian horse Trakehner, later: Thoroughbred, Arabian, Anglo-Arab