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The Wielkopolski is a breed of horse that was originated in Cental and Western Poland in 1964, so it is still relatively young. It was developed by crossing two now extinct Polish breeds, the Pozan (bred at the Posadowo, Racot and Gogolewo studs) and the Masuren (bred at the Liski stud), so it is also referred to as the Mazursko-Poznanski. These two breeds formed a base, on which Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian blood was further added. The breed is versatile and talented. Although not well-known, it is a great sport-horse breed, with fantastic temperaments, comfortable gaits, and hardiness. They are natural athletes and a quite fast, due in part to their Thoroughbred blood, and make great horses for show jumping and eventing. Their natural balance and good movement also make them very suitable for dressage. The breed is bred along two lines. One is lighter, for competitive riding. The other is heavier, and used in harness and as a riding horse. The Wielkopolski has a fine head with a straight profile. This is set into an elegant, 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. They can be any solid color, and usually stand between 15.2 and 16.2 hh. |
