konikojen

Koniks, or Konik Polski, are small, hardy primitive horses from Poland. They stand about 120 to 140 cm tall at the withers and have a compact, sturdy build. Their coats are typically dun or gray, and they commonly display primitive markings such as a dorsal stripe and faint zebra-like stripes on the legs. They are valued for endurance, adaptation to poor forage, and efficient grazing in open landscapes.

The breed was developed in the 20th century as a deliberate re-creation of tarpan-like horses using feral herds living in Polish forests. After World War I and II, breeders selected individuals that best preserved primitive traits to form a functional population intended for conservation grazing and landscape management. The formal standard and breed registry were established to maintain these characteristics.

Koniks are widely used in nature reserves and rewilding projects because of their small size and their ability to browse tough vegetation while avoiding damage to sensitive habitats. Their grazing helps maintain grasslands, wetlands, and open habitats and supports biodiversity.

Today, Koniks are kept in Poland and in private and public holdings across Europe. They are considered a foundational component of several conservation grazing programs and are among the best-known examples of primitive horses maintained for habitat management.