Wielkopolski horses originated in Central and Western Poland
in 1964. Their name comes from Wielkopolska ("Great Poland"), a
region in west central Poland centered on Poznan.
Wielkopolski horses were developed by crossing two now
extinct Polish breeds, the Pozan and the Mazury, so it is also referred to as
Mazursko-Poznanski horses. The Pozan, or Poznan, horse was developed in Poland.
This breed is extremely rare. These horses are known to be quite noteworthy. It
was bred at the studs at Posadowo, Racot, and Gogolewo. The Pozan was a mixture
of Arabian, Thoroughbred, Trakehner, and Hanoverian blood. It was a
middleweight farm worker, very versatile, used for riding and agricultural
work. The Mazury, also known as the Masuren, is a now extinct breed of horse.
It was once a very notable breed, developed in Poland, and was a quality riding
horse. It mainly originated from the Trakehner, and, crossed with the Pozan
went on to develop the Wielkopolski breed. These two breeds formed a base, on
which Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian blood was further added.
They are versatile and talented. Although not well-known,
they area a great sport-horse, with fantastic temperaments, comfortable gaits,
and hardiness. They are natural athletes and are quite fast, due in part to
their Thoroughbred blood. They make great horses for show jumping and eventing.
Their natural balance and good movement also make them very suitable for
dressage.
They are bred along two lines. One is lighter, for
competitive riding. The other is heavier, and used in harness and as a riding
horse.
Wielkopolski horses have a fine, small head with a straight
profile and lively eyes. This is set into an elegant, strong, long neck. The
horse has sloping shoulders and a deep and wide chest. It is muscular, compact,
and deep in the body, with powerful hindquarters. Their legs are well muscled
with long cannons and good, clearly defined joints and tendons. They can be any
solid color, and usually stand between 15.2 and 16.2 hh.
About Wielkopolski Horses
