Horse
Breed Description:
The Malapolski breed of horse is a Polish breed that occurs in two main types, and may exhibit wildly different characteristics from type to type, and region to region. The Malapolski is primarily used as a riding horse, but is also adept at light draught work and jumping. The Malapolski horse has a refined head with a straight profile, inquisitive eyes and an overall keen expression. The neck is of medium length, is moderately muscled, and rises up from pronounced withers. The long shoulders in this breed slope down to a chest that is both wide and deep, enabling the Malapolski to summon strength uncommon of a horse its size. The legs are rather long and well-formed, with solid joints and very hard hooves. The Malapolski breed of horse occurs in the following solid colors: bay, black, chestnut, and occasionally roan.
Temperament:
The Malapolski horse is well-known to be an exceptionally compliant and willing animal, and with good training can become adept at nearly any task put to it. For this reason, the Malapolski breed of horse is used in agricultural work, light draught work, under the saddle, jumping, and at the Steeplechase. The Malapolski horse is lively and energetic, and is especially renowned for its athletic abilities.
Height:
15.3 hh to 16.2 hh
Health Problems:
Breeding of the Malapolski occurs at 5 state studs in Poland, and therefore the breed should be thoroughly regimented. However, the breed is also managed by independent horse enthusiasts and farmers, and as a result there is a great variety in the conformation and physical health of the animal. There are no specific congenital health issues observed in the Malapolski, but some suffer from various afflictions due to the uncoordinated and often unregulated breeding that occurs in Poland. Because this breed tends to be very old and inquisitive, the Malapolski may be prone to accidents or injuries simply from exploring new environments, animals, and potential food sources. For this reason, the Malapolski horse may require more monitoring of general daily behaviors than other horse breeds.
Origin:
The Malapolski breed of horse was developed about 200 years ago utilizing oriental blood and that of the Arabian, the Shagya, and the Thoroughbred. There are two known types of Malapolski horses, but the breed varies so widely in physical characteristics and conformation that it is difficult to define the specifics that makes each type unique from the other. The Malapolski is quite possibly the most popular horse breed in Poland, ensuring that it will survive far into the future, despite the haphazard breeding techniques used to further the breed today. 