Zwierzęta towarzyszące aktywności fizycznej dawnych Polaków
Animals accompanying former Poles in their leisure time activities

Summary/Abstract: Introduction. For our ancestors, especially those living from 16th to 18th century, hunting was not only a way to obtain some wild game, but, above all, a favorite entertainment, increasing one`s social position. Moreover, hunting on horseback, using dogs and falcons, was considered not only as a leisure time activity, but as an important physical and psychical strength training of future knights, necessary for defending our country. Aim. Introduction of different forms of utilization of horses, dogs and predatory birds, evolving together with gradually changing functions of physical activities – from life necessities to sports. Methods. An analysis of specialist literature. Results & Conclusions. Nowadays horses and dogs are used mainly for pleasure and sports activities, sometimes also for therapeutic reasons. However, there are some active historical reconstruction groups, successfully attempting to prevent the traditional activities, such as falconry, from extinction.

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