Intro
The Wielkopolski, Poznan or Great Poland Horse is a light riding & driving horse that was created in the 19th century in Poland. In the beginning they were called the Poznan Horse, named for Great Poznan Country from which it comes.
Origins
The foundation stock for this breed were German half-breds, (mainly Trakehner) bred to native stock. Later, between WWI & WWII Thoroughbred, Arabian & Anglo-Arabian influence was added as well.
After the second World War the Trakehners were taken from Poznan to the Mazury district and they soon became known as Mazurian horses. By 1962 the Poznan & Mazurian animals became essentially one breed blanketed under the name of Wielkopolski.
Features
Average height 15.1 – 16.2 hands
Physique
Head is handsome with a straight profile
Neck is shapely & slightly arched
Back is straight & long
Chest is deep
Shoulder is long, sloping & muscular
Legs are well muscled & well defined joints
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Practical & easygoing
Calm & sensible
Use
Riding horse
Sport horse
Harness
Show horse