Konik ponies in conservation

Breed origins

Koniks (sometimes referred to as Konik Polski) are a non-native primitive breed that originate from Poland. They are a descendant of the tarpan, a type of European wild horse that went extinct in the 19th century. They have been bred for almost 80 years to be the ideal breed for use in conservation grazing, specifically for traits of hardiness, longevity and ease of handling, and are used successfully across Europe in conservation grazing schemes. 

About the breed 

Koniks are large, sturdy ponies and often have a grey or Dun colouring. They have good strong, slow growing hooves and strong bones. They have generally good health; they have tough skin; cuts heal quickly, and they are highly tolerant of insect bites. They have a good temperament with humans and are generally respectful of our boundaries; their generally placid temperament makes them easy to move and handle when it’s necessary (for support during illness, for example). They have generally good conformation and low levels of inherited disease, for example they are not prone to sweet itch (a skin condition as a result of an allergic reaction to insect bites), especially those that have been feral bred for several generations.  

Their use in conservation 

Historically Koniks are more of a lowland breed than many native and old breeds from Britain and Europe, making them more suited to lowland meadow conditions than many of our native breeds, such as Exmoors (who struggle with weight gain and associated illness, like laminitis, on good grass). However, Koniks can still get laminitis on very rich grass so this must be considered when we’re deciding which sites to use them on.  

Koniks are good at controlling scrub in the maintenance of open habitats. They achieve this by browsing seedlings and the tips of woody plants (which have high nutritional value for them). They will also extend their browsing to that of mature trees, particularly in winter. In the summer they are more effective at grass, sedge and thistle control. They create mosaic habitats and are good use in establishing flowering meadows as they tend to avoid eating the flowering plants and target the grasses competing with them. Like in most pony breeds, Koniks create latrine areas (where they concentrate their dunging). Their latrine areas are generally not grazed so this adds to the mosaic effect they create. Their primitive leg striping and dorsal striping allows them to blend well with bracken and the late summer grasses. Koniks are a good breed to use on wetland sites. Many of the native pony breeds, such as Exmoors, are less confident on wetlands. Koniks are extremely hardy animals, they can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C and can remain out over winter even in severe conditions. As they are so versatile, Koniks are a popular horse among conservation organisations. There is large scope for sharing them between organisations, making it easier to purchase good quality animals. 

Where do we use Koniks? 

We use Koniks to manage scrub at Darland Banks, Gorse Hill and Pegwell bay.  

At New fen Koniks manage our wetland and enjoy getting stuck deep in the water!