The Haflinger Breed

The Haflinger breed began in the Austrian Alps in the year 1879 with the birth of “249 Folie,” who was the result of a cross between a refined mountain mare and a half-Arabian stallion. This breed was named for the town, Hafling, where this foal was born, and is in the region that now belongs to Italy.

This breed is small, ranging from 13.3 to 15 hands, but strong. During their history, the haflinger pony has been indispensable to farmers who needed horses that could do it all – from driving farm wagons, to riding, to packing. The ideal one is golden chestnut with a snowy and abundant white mane and tail, fairly light in build, gentle and friendly, sure footed, and very hard working.

In Holland the breed was introduced in the late fifties. As an alternative for poor farmers. Planned to be used out in the fields. However the tractor become more popular and cheaper so this did not succeed.

They are easy keepers, and ideally suited to regions with mountainous terrain and four seasons. Because of their human-loving character, they easily become part of the family. Even children can do hore riding travel with them.

Originally this breed was a lightly built horse, but during the first war(draft horse carriage driving)and second world wars, the breed was crossed with draft-style breeds to make it more suited to packing for the army. These practice made the Haflinger bulkier and therefore less versatile, so for the last 50 years, the trend has been to breed back to the original style.

The modern breed is gaining popularity as a driving, dressage, trail, travel horse and therapy horse. It is also usually a good jumper. Isabella for instant has been jumping over the electric rope several times. She is easy to bring back again. Looks like she has a smile on here face doing that!

Breeds such as the Arabian, Morgan and Quarter Horse, started out more like the Haflingers. They were smaller and hardier, and were known for their friendly, willing, natures. Today, those breeds have been altered due to demand for bigger and showier horses. They are more prone to health problems, and many of them have become “hotter” in temperament.

Characteristics

This horse breed has all the best original characteristics of these breeds, but combined in one versatile and gorgeous package! Their beautiful and distinctive colourings, hard-working nature, and classic conformation make them the breed that can work on the farm on Saturday, take you for a drive in a sulky on Sunday, and be ridden in the dressage ring on Monday.

Standards

The breeding standards ensure that, while this pony will never be a heavy draft horse or a tall hunter-jumper, it will be the one horse that can “do it all” with style and grace, and you can always spot one in a crowd!

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