The Wielkopolski originated in Poland. The Wielkopolski developed from the combination of two now extinct breeds the Poznan and Masuren. The Poznan ancestry includes the Konik pony, Arabian, Thoroughbred, and some East Prussian Trakehner and Hanoverian. The Masuren ancestry includes Trakehner, Thoroughbred, and Arabian. The Wielkopolski resulted from the crossbreeding of the Poznan and Masuren with further crossbreeding with Arabians, Anglo-Arabians and Thoroughbreds. The Wielkopolski is bred primarily in western and central Poland. The Wielkopolski stands on average 16.2 hh and is a strong, muscular horse. This horse works well under saddle and in harness. The Wielkopolski is in proportion, has great temperament, and is active. The Wielkopolski is inexpensive to keep and is well capable of doing agricultural work. The breeding however is geared toward a lighter horse emphasis for competitive purposes. The Wielkopolski is a great jumper and does well in cross-country as well.