The word “konik” means “pony” or “little horse” in Polish, but though the Konik is small, it is still powerful. The Konik Pony has a strong and broad body with a deep girth. The forelegs are particularly muscular and lead up to low withers that are well situated for harness work. The head, though somewhat dull, is in proportion to the body and sits well on the Konik's short neck. Normally, the Konik sports a mouse-dun coloring and will sometimes have a black dorsal stripe, this is a stripe of hair that runs along the back from the mane to the top of the tail.

The Konik is widespread throughout Poland and still important in modern day agriculture. Because the ponies produce fertilizer, don't require expensive fuel, and are capable of maneuvering without disrupting the sensitive soil, they can be a preferred choice over mechanized tractors. The benefits are both ecological and economical.

Known for their gentle nature, the Konik Pony is a willing worker and a kind companion. Despite their status as a work horse, they are known to form strong bonds with their people and always seem ready and wanting to please. One drawback is that despite their evolution as a robust and hardy breed, the Konik can be prone to sickle hocks. Sickle hocks are weak ankle joints that are bent, resembling a sickle shape.

The breed descended from the Tarpan Horse, a now-extinct breed of Eurasian wild horse. The last Tarpan died in captivity in the Ukraine at the end of the First World War, but its influence lives on in many of Central Europe's native ponies. Today, the Konik Pony is bred by local Polish farmers as well as at the Jezewice state stud.

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