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“Konik” is the Polish term for a little horse. It is also used to describe a very unusual breed of horse with an interesting and much-debated history. Native to Europe, these horses are believed to have been one of the first domesticated breeds of horses. These animals are highly valued for their resilient spirits and strong work ethic. Formerly used as small working horses in Poland, today the Konik pony is extensively used in conservation grazing projects throughout Europe. Ecological institutions usually buy a Konik to add to their semi-feral grazing herds, although these intriguing animals can also make friendly riding ponies when raised in proximity with humans. There are some individual breeders in Poland who will sell a Konik, as well as a Polish state stud at Popielno, Sieraków, which ensures the survival of the breed.
These strong, sturdy ponies are often described as “mouse-grey” in colour, a term that was also used to describe the wild Tarpan, which was believed to be one of their ancestors. This coat colour is also called blue dun. Koniks are between 12.3 hands (51 inches/130 cm) and 13.3 hands (55 inches/140 cm) in height and they are attractive animals with fine legs. Their domesticated ancestors, known as Panje horses, were used for many tasks on Polish farms and in the army. Early in the twentieth century, farmers would often sell a Konik crossed with another breed to make a bigger, stronger draught animal. Today when people buy a Konik it is usually for conservation grazing. Konik horses are considered to be intelligent animals with friendly temperaments and good memories. They are also highly trainable, making them suitable mounts for light riding or driving. The breed is renowned for its sure-footedness on rough terrain and is often used in trekking and safari rides.
The horse breeds of several nations neighbouring Azerbaijan have been influential on the creation of the Karabakh. These include the Akhal-Teke, Kabardin and Turkoman. The Arabian horse was also influential, but this is not likely to have been during the foundation stage. The region of Karabakh in Azerbaijan has undoubtedly been an important equestrian society since ancient times, but the history of the modern Karabakh horse has only been documented since the late eighteenth century. At this time, the region of Karabakh was a Khanate ruled by Ibrahim-Khalil (1763-1806), who had several thousand horses, many of which would be of Karabakh type. They were regal animals so were gifts of high status to other rulers, although Karabakh horses were also sold on rare occasions. In 1823, some of these fine animals were bought by an English company. Sometimes the Karabakhs were acquired by other nations via war or during times of political change or uncertainty. In the nineteenth century, they were also influential through cross-breeding and were some of the foundation stock for Russian breeds such as the Don, as well as being ridden by Russian army officers. Karabakhs reached their height of international fame in the late nineteenth century, with the presentation of a silver medal at a leading horse show in Paris in 1867. In the twentieth century, unrest and wars in the Caucasus led to the reduction and near extinction of the breed. Today, the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan is making a concerted effort to restore and conserve the traditional qualities of the Karabakh horse, particularly at the main stud in Agdam.
