The genesis and development of Polish equestrianism in the interwar period

Although the traditions of equestrianism in Poland goes back a long way, it was not until 1880 that the first equestrian competitions were organized in Warsaw. In the following years, the interest of the Polish society in equestrian competition had been growing and led to the creation of equestrian-breeding associations, which actively conducted sports activities. However, it was Poland regaining independence in 1918 that enabled the dynamic development of Polish equestrianism, especially in military circles among cavalry and horse artillery officers. The creation of the Polish Equestrian Association in 1928 had an undoubted impact on the popularization of equestrian sport among civilians. The Association became the organizer of many sports competitions for both military and civilian riders. Moreover, it undertook a number of initiatives aimed at the development and popularization of equestrianism in Polish society. Polish riders participated in the most important sports competitions organized in the interwar period, both in the country and internationally. They took part in the Olympic Games three times (1924, 1928 and 1936), in which they won four medals. Furthermore, they achieved success in equestrian competition around the world (the United States, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and others).