Let's talk about a Stud.

.If you're thinking "Not Again!" No, this time it isn't one of those talks.

 Currently, I am building nothing! So, not discussing stud walls.

 Or stud earrings.

 Or even shirt studs. Although I do find them interesting.
Not even this Stud:

This is about this kind of stud:

Stallions, kept specifically for breeding are called "Studs". And the place which houses a breeding stallion is also termed "A Stud". Although, the term does lend itself to a bit of grandeur."A Stud" seems to have a professional and purposeful element to it.
This particular blog is about a the beautiful Stud at Książ.

 When Huz and I arrived at Zamek Książ, and bought our tickets, there was some indication that for 10 more zlotych ($) we could also tour the Stajnie and the Palm House. So, we must.  And after our grand tour of the Zamek, we took a look at the primitive map on the back of our ticket, and headed off to the Stables. Kind of. Had we gone down the road leading to the castle, and through a park, we would eventually have found this sign above. Most helpful. But we did not. Instead, we went down a stair outside the castle gates that dwindled into a dirt path into the wood. And, then to a small track, past some ruins of some sort, and then what appeared to be a bus stop in the woods. But, we are map readers, and our map said the stables were this way.  At least, this direction.
Eventually we saw some grizzled, smoking bent over men, with one or two younger backs chatting at the back of a an old tudor-style building. We approached- obviously in the wrong place, but they pointed us through a gate and to another building on the other side of the courtyard in front of us. And thus we entered, through the workers entrance at Stajnie Zamkowa.
To see this:

 Oh yeah. This is delicious! 18th century barns full of horses. My happy place.
As I gaped, a fellow came out with a gorgeous horse to do some lunging in the huge arena in the center of the stable block. 

 Not all the horses in residence are breeding animals. There are also riding ones. Lots. And, yes, I wanted to ride too!

 All the buildings that make up the block are stables with these wonderful vaulted ceilings.

 These girls reminded me of my Pony Club kids, polishing boots and cleaning tack on the floor before getting on to ride. Polish Pony Club? Maybe. It would be pretty cool to have a Pony Club based out of a castle.

 Huz, gasping in astonishment at the accolades of this stud?

 I don't know what all the medals mean, but Lokan is a well decorated boy!

 The Stables is well known for the Stud, but also for driving and dressage, as well as jumping. On the castle property is a cross country course as well as a driving course.

 And this, dreamboat indoor arena. I sat on the observation deck and it felt like a church. Sigh.

 I even stalked the Polish Equestrian Team.

 These standing stalls were empty, but there was a man humming and giving them a good scrubbing. I loved his wooden chair. For comfy breaks?

A pair of matching blue roan ponies, presumably driving partners? came over to say hello as I walked through their stables. This one consented to taking a "selphie" together.

Thank you Książ, Stajnie Zamkowa for the horse "fix". Next time, I'll bring breeches and boots!