The history and development of the Polish Arabian is long intertwined with war. Since Poland has no natural boundaries, it has been the subject of attacks from larger, stronger nations for centuries. Over time, the Polish grew fond of their enemies’ mounts from the Middle East and Asia, who often rode Arabian horses. The horses became sought after prizes of war, and soon the Polish had set up a stud farm with the Arabian horses they captured. As early as the 16th century, writings have mentioned the breeding of purebred Arabians within Poland.
In 1699, a truce between Poland and Turkey led to Poland acquiring Arabians, which led to the breeding of these prized horses to grow thanks to the increased bloodstock. When WWI happened, nearly all the breeding stock was wiped out. Fortunately, the Polish people built the breeding program back up, and the Arabian Horse Breeding Society was formed in 1926. The Polish breeding program has always been based on broodmares. There are many damn lines in use, with the sire lines being more diverse.
