Konik
The konik is a commonly seen grazer in numerous Dutch nature reserves and has been grazing here since 1982. Originally, this breed comes from eastern Poland. Literally translated, the word Konik means 'little horse'. In Poland, the breed is also known as 'Kon Polski', or 'Little polish horse'.
The breed is closely related to the last wild horses of Poland. The last wild horses from Białowieza were captured in Poland in 1780 and transferred to game parks. In the early 19th century, Koniks were distributed to farmers who bred them with their domesticated horses, creating a reliable workhorse. Now, more than a century later, this breed is once again taking the natural place of its primordial ancestor. Meanwhile, nearly 2.000 koniks live a semi-wild life in numerous Dutch nature reserves.