Polish Konik

Habitat: The Konik horse lives in the wild, in places where it can survive on its own. They can be found in nature reserves, floodplains and dunes. There, they help nature by eating grass and plants.

Appearance: The Konik horse originates from Poland and white-Russia. It is a semi-wild horse breed that is small and very austere. Due to its characteristics, the Konik horse is less noticeable to predators in the wild. The animal can take good care of itself and does not need any care. That is why it is often used in Belgium and the Netherlands to graze grass and plants in nature reserves. This creates a typical horse pasture. They do not graze in places where horses leave their manure – the so-called latrines. As a result, the grass grows taller there and rougher areas of nature are created. More species of plants and animals can live in these rugged areas.

Mating season: Usually in the spring, a mare is pregnant for about 11 months and has one foal per litter.

Characteristics: Small in stature, about 140 cm tall, sturdy and muscular build, weight 400 kg, age 20 years.

Food: Konik horses mainly eat grass, but also herbs. In winter, they nibble on branches and tree bark. Because they are not ruminants, they eat large quantities of grass and can also digest tough plants such as reeds and purple moor grass. Sometimes they dig up roots to find extra food.