Silesian

Overall description of the breed

The Silesian is a breed of carriage horses originating from Silesia, a region located in Poland. Selected since the late 19th century in Lower Silesia, this horse was developed from crossings between the Oldenburg and the East Friesian. At that time, it was considered the largest and heaviest of the European warmbloods. Used primarily as a carriage horse and for agricultural work, Poland had about 300,000 Silesian horses in the 1930s. However, World War II devastated this breeding population, which had to be rebuilt on new foundations.

After the war, there was a period of popularity for sports crossings with the Thoroughbred, followed by the influence of heavy East German warmbloods. This evolution led to a certain enthusiasm for the Silesian. Despite this popularity, the breeding of this breed greatly diminished until the early 21st century. Today, the Silesian exists in two types: a large, light, and modern sport horse, and the traditional carriage type, which is smaller and heavier. It excels in driving, even at the highest level of competition, contributing to the worldwide reputation of Polish drivers.

Despite its fame, the Silesian remains a very local and rare breed. In 2016, there were only about 2,600 Silesian horses, making it an endangered breed. The majority of these horses are bred at the National Stud of Książ, which manages the preservation of the breed in coordination with private breeders. The breed emerged at the end of the 19th century in Lower Silesia, accompanying the establishment and development of national studs in this region.

The original herd consisted of local mares from Upper and Lower Silesia, crossed with stallions of the Alt-Oldenburg breed (the old type of the modern Oldenburg horse), East Friesian, and Hanoverian. The initial goal was to breed a versatile carriage horse, suitable for both agricultural and military use, particularly as an artillery horse. Between 1917 and 1938, imported Alt-Oldenburg and East Friesian stallions accounted for 40% of the total stallions used for breeding in Silesia.

In the 1930s, Silesia had about 300,000 horses, 91% of which were employed in agricultural work. By the time of World War II, the Silesian was well established as a solid heavy horse, with distinctive gaits and a calm character. Differentiated stallion lines were recorded as early as 1942.

The physical characteristics of the Silesian vary depending on the type. The sport type is large and light, while the traditional carriage type is smaller and heavier. Silesians have a muscular and robust body, with strong limbs and well-formed joints. Their head is well-proportioned with expressive eyes and mobile ears. Their coat can be bay, black, or gray, with a thick and silky mane and tail.

In terms of health, Silesians are generally robust and resilient. However, like all large horse breeds, they can be prone to specific health issues, particularly joint ailments and hoof problems. Good hygiene and regular care are essential to maintain their health.

The character of the Silesians is known for being gentle and docile. They are intelligent, easy to train, and show a great willingness to work. Their calm nature and patience make them excellent companions for riders of all levels.

Training and educating Silesians should be done with patience and consistency. They respond well to training methods based on positive reinforcement. It is important to start their training at a young age to get them accustomed to various tasks and commands.

Silesians have impressive measurements. Stallions typically stand between 15.7 and 16.7 hands (63 to 67 inches) at the withers, while mares are slightly smaller, standing between 15.3 and 16.3 hands (61 to 65 inches). Their weight ranges between 1,100 and 1,540 pounds, depending on their type and usage.

The official studbook that represents the breed is the Shire Horse Society. Founded in 1878, this organization oversees the preservation and promotion of the Silesian breed. The breed is officially recognized by various worldwide organizations, which helps maintain its standards and promote its use in various equestrian activities.

In summary, the Silesian is an iconic Polish draft horse, known for its size, strength, and gentle character. Despite historical challenges and a decline in breeding, the Silesian continues to captivate with its majestic appearance and friendly nature. With good education and appropriate care, this rare breed can still shine on international stages and in driving competitions.