I have always been fascinated by purebred Arabian studs. The mysterious places where extraordinary horses are born, the descendants of desert mares and stallions that were brought to Poland two hundreds years ago at deathly risk by horse-loving magnates: Hieronim and Roman Sanguszko, the Branicki brothers, Wacław Rzewuski, Juliusz Dzieduszycki…

My youthful dream came true when after many years I finally came to visit Janów Podlaski, Michałów and Białka. With all the legends and stories in the back of my mind, with pounding heart, joyful hope and anxious whether reality lives up to my expectations I entered this exceptional horse kingdom, the studs. I was astounded by the riches they were hiding. Not only do I mean the horses, although they are certainly the greatest treasure; what I have in mind is the magnificent breeding tradition and culture, beautiful old buildings, everyday life and the holidays that include breeding shows, auction and championships. One visit is not enough to take it all in. Therefore I kept coming back, getting more and more familiar with the grasslands of the three studs were the Arabians found their second home. This is where the wind delicately caresses their manes and the sand delightfully massages their skin. This is where each year new generation of filigree, blue-bloodied foals are born.

I hope my photographs collected in “Arabian horses – Białka, Janów Podlaski, Michałów” will show the beauty and charm of these places worth knowing and visiting.