You probably know the Arabian horse. It has a long neck and a slender body. This breed is one of the most popular and beloved horse breeds in the world. If you’re interested in learning more about these animals, here’s what you need to know. The Arabian horse from Poland is known for its unique characteristics that make it a favorite among breeders. Get to know this remarkable breed and find out why they’re so popular in our country.
By the way – did you know that Poland has couple of its own dog breeds as well? Please check here: Polish Dog Breeds: An Overview of The Best Four-Legged Friends
Arabian Horses in Poland: A Historical Overview
Arabian horses were first introduced to Poland during the reign of King Zygmunt Augustus. The breeding of this exotic breed flourished at the beginning of the 19th century due to the rise of romantic interest in the Orient. Wacław Rzewuski, known for his numerous travels to the Middle East, played a major role in the promotion of Arabian horses. In 1817, at the request of Tsar Alexander I, he undertook an expedition to acquire horses suitable for breeding, and these horses eventually ended up in the hands of Polish owners.
First Polish Horse Farm in Janów
The Polish nobility started a trend of organizing expeditions for Arabian horses in the early 1800s, which increased the domesticated population of the breed. This was also the time when the first studs were established, such as Janów Podlaski, founded in 1817 as a state enterprise owned by the Treasury of the Kingdom of Poland.
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The Janów stud farm began to gain recognition and became one of the most prestigious equestrian centers in Poland between the November and January Uprisings. The tsar’s governor, Ivan Paskevich, an avid horse lover, was a great supporter of the stud, and Henryk Marconi, a renowned architect of the time, oversaw its expansion.
The success of the stud farm continued until World War I. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the breeders had developed their own breed, the Janów horse, but it was greatly reduced by the turmoil of the war.
Arabian Horses in Poland After The War
The effects of World War I on Polish Arabians were severe. With few survivors, the Janów stud was taken over by the Russian army and never returned. After Poland regained its independence in 1918, the Ministry of Agriculture chose Janów Podlaski to rebuild the surviving population of Polish Arabian horses.
In addition, the stud began breeding the Anglo-Arabian breed and quickly regained its former reputation. Unfortunately, the Second World War brought another difficult period for Janów. Most of the horses perished in September and the Germans took over the breeding, evacuating the surviving animals to the Third Reich in 1944. The horses were not returned to Poland until 1946, and the stud was not reopened until 1950.
For the second time, Janów had to be rebuilt and restored to its former glory. Foreign sales were resumed in the 1960s, and in 1969 the first international buyers’ fair, now known as Pride of Poland, was organized. As early as 1964, director Andrzej Krzyształowicz had declared that Polish Arabians were the best in Europe and possibly the world.
Characteristics of Polish Arabian Horses
The Arabian horse originates from the Arabian Peninsula and is believed to have existed for over 2500 years. Initially they were used in warfare due to their remarkable endurance. Most Arabian horse farms are still located in this region. More recently, the breed has become highly sought after in Europe and the United States, including Poland, where the first farms were established in the 18th century.
Private breeders take a special interest in these horses, as buying a purebred Arabian can be a hefty investment, with the average cost being around 20,000 PLN, and some purchases going for over a million.
Interesting Facts About Arabian Horses
You may not know that Arabian horses can live up to 30 years and come in three main types. The Kuhailan has a larger head and a straight profile, the Munighi is characterized by long legs and a chestnut color, and the Saklavi has a narrow head, large nostrils, and a slender figure. Each type has an interesting name derived from the legend of Muhammad. These horses are very durable and ideal for long distance travel.
Arabian horses are easy to breed, and they enjoy interacting with people, making them ideal companions. Unfortunately, they are expensive, so they are not as common in riding schools. Finally, these horses are timid and not suitable for novice riders.
Top Studs and Breeders of Arabian Horses in Poland
You’ve probably heard of Janów Podlaski and its famous stud farm. The breeding of some of the best horses in the world is well known to those involved in horse racing.
Janow Podlaski Arabian Horse Stud
The stud is located 2 km from Janów in Wygoda. It was established in 1817 by the government of the Kingdom of Poland with the permission of Tsar Alexander I.
The first director was Count Aleksander Potocki. Over the years the stables of Czołów, Zegarowa (designed by Henryk Marconi), Wyścigowa, Woroncowska and Private were built. From 1994 until today the stud has been operating as „Stadnina Koni Janów Podlaski Sp. z o. o”.. Before that it was known as „Stadnina Koni Skarbu Panstwa Janów Podlaski”.
Visiting The Stud in Janów Podlaski
You can feel the size of the stud as soon as you enter. With 2500 hectares of land, your eyes will be treated to a sight of majestic horses as far as the eye can see. Visiting here requires that you follow the rules that are in place to get the most out of your experience. In the morning, all the horses are in their paddocks so you can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals.
The stallions that pass on their best genes to the younger generations of Janów horses are kept in the oldest brick stable, Czołowa. There is also a special stallion named Bandolero, who is the stud’s best racehorse. You won’t be able to get closer than the paddocks, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty of these majestic creatures.
Complete List of Arabian Horses Studs in Poland
Here is the list of studs where you can try to buy Arabian horses. In the left column you can find the Polish version of the stud’s name, in the right column there is the website address.
| Arabian Horse Stud Name | Website |
|---|---|
| Arab Amicus | Click Here |
| Arabika | Click Here |
| Arabska Stadnina Koni Czyszków | Click Here |
| Cracovia Arabians | Click Here |
| EvoPegasus STUD | Click Here |
| Falborek Arabians | Click Here |
| Głowacki Arabians | Click Here |
| Havena Arabians | Click Here |
| J&J Arabians | Click Here |
| Klikowa Arabians | Click Here |
| Lovenpeas-Arabians | Click Here |
| M Arabians | Click Here |
| Mark Arabians | Click Here |
| Nana Arabians | Click Here |
| Petronius Arabians | Click Here |
| Polska AKF | Click Here |
| Przanowice-Arabians | Click Here |
| PS Arabians | Click Here |
| Sil-ven-blackarabians | Click Here |
| St.Roch Arabians | Click Here |
| Stadnina Koni Arabskich Grabów nad Pilicą | Click Here |
| Stadnina Koni Arabskich Ossowice | Click Here |
| Stadnina Koni Chrcynno-Pałac | Click Here |
| Stadnina Koni Dąbrówka | Click Here |
| Stadnina Koni Janów Podlaski | Click Here |
| Stadnina Koni Michałów | Click Here |
| Stado Ogierów Białka | Click Here |
| StanRed Arabians | Click Here |
| Słowianin Arabians | Click Here |
| UniStud JR Janusz Ryżkowski | Click Here |
| Zalia Arabians | Click Here |
Buying an Arabian Horse in Poland
The most common way to buy an Arabian horse in Poland is through a sales platform. Using the sales platform you can find your horse quite quickly. They offer horses from the „Polish Arabian Horse Breeding Program” and other Polish breeders. The platform is divided into categories, so you can find the horse you are looking for according to sex, age and purpose.
Each offer includes contact details of the horse owner or stud manager, so you can make inquiries or offers. As far as I know, they are constantly updating our selection of horses and offer new releases on a regular basis.
- Here is the link to the platform: https://pzhka.org.pl/index2.php?option=sales&lang=pl
How Much Does an Arabian Horse Cost in Poland?
The price of such a horse once exceeded even millions of dollars. Currently, a purebred Arabian horse can be purchased for 30-40 thousand PLN. Due to their relatively small size and innate athleticism, these animals feel very comfortable in races and long-distance rallies. Arabian horses are also appreciated for their courage, perseverance, and physical endurance.
References
- https://www.polskieradio.pl/39/156/artykul/2352875,kon-arabski-%E2%80%93-jak-stal-sie-polska-duma/
- https://www.fitmin.pl/n/ile-kosztuje-kon/
- https://sklepjezdzieckipk.pl/pl/blog/Konie-arabskie-co-warto-o-nich-wiedziec/163
