TPKAP - aims


The history of the Association of Friends of the Arabian Horse in Poland is short, but it is firmly connected to the long tradition of the Arabian horse in Poland's history and culture. Polish nobility was among the first to introduce the Arabian horse to Europe. As a result of a long breeding tradition, the Arabian horse became in Poland the symbol of horse breeding as such. Today, "Pure Polish" is a quality symbol describing the high value of an Arabian horse with a Polish pedigree. None of the other horse breeds in the country has achieved such results. None of them have attained such International success to become a Polish speciality, indeed a national speciality. It can be rightly said that the breeding of Arabian horses, with its century long tradition, is a national treasury. Being so much part of Polish history and culture, the Arabian horse has also become an important object of the arts and sciences. Scientists, veterinarians and historians have taken to study the particulars of Polish Arabians. And so have generations of artists: painters, sculpturers, writers and photographers have produced a wealth of images and representations. They have built up a tremendous reputation outside of Poland as well. Unfortunately these aspects of Arabian horses in Poland have become largely neglected. It will be important to collect and preserve the various collections and materials (such as research materials, literature, pictures, photographs, historical documents, personal memories, video tapes and recordings) and to - most importantly - make these accessible for the increasing numbers of people that become interested in Arabian horses in Poland. The Association of Friends of the Arabian Horse in Poland was established on 10th of May 1997 by a group of well-known personalities, all of whom have been involved since years in the promotion and use of the Arabian horses. It was decided that the Association would be housed in Leszno. The same location would also house a Centre for Documentation and Promotion of the Arabian Horse, a restaurant and an Arabian horse art gallery and could thus function as a meeting place of friends and breeders of Arabian horses. Its location is especially attractive, as it is in the centre of Poland, close to Warsaw, on the road to Żelazowa Wola - the birth place of Chopin. The main goal of the Association of Friends of the Arabian horse in Poland is to document and promote the breeding of Polish Arabian horses and their associated races and to promote the use of the Arabian horse in all its aspects, such as leisure, sport; art and research, based on Polish traditions and culture. If you are interested to know more about the Association, or if you wish to become involved in its future activities, please contact us at the Secretariat.