Janow Podlaski Stud

The stud at Janow Podlaski was established in 1817 by decree, at the large Wygoda farm near Janow, and it became the leading Arabian horse breeding operation in Poland and one of the most respected in the world. The Polish Arabian breeding programme, built on desert-bred imports and rigorous performance selection, produced bloodlines that are sought internationally, and the Pride of Poland auction held here each August draws Arabian breeders from all over the world. The buildings are handsome nineteenth-century stables and a manor in parkland by the Bug, with mares, foals and stallions in the paddocks. Visits and guided tours run through the season.

History

By decree of Emperor Alexander I in 1817 a government herd of horses was set up at the large Wygoda farm near Janów, and the veterinarian Jan Ritz, its first manager in 1816-1826, gathered breeding stock from imperial studs and private breeders. In 1841 the first brick stable was built to plans by Enrico Marconi and in 1848 a second with a neo-Gothic clock tower, and in 1885 Count Alexander Nierodka built a brick stable with 85 stalls and brought in the stud's first Arabian horses (Wikipedia, Janów Podlaski Stud Farm).

What you'll find

• A stud since 1817 - one of the oldest and most respected Arabian operations anywhere.
• Nineteenth-century stables - and a manor in parkland by the Bug.
• Mares and foals in the paddocks - the working stock, seen on tours.
• The August auction - Pride of Poland, drawing breeders from all over the world.

When to go

May to September; August for the auction. Half a day.

What to expect

It is a working stud - access is on booked tours and depends on the breeding calendar. The auction is a trade event, not a spectator show, and access is restricted. The village has minimal services.

Nearby

The Bug valley runs alongside; Biala Podlaska is south-west.

Key facts