The Haflinger
The Haflinger… A Best Friend
WITH its golden coat, flaxen mane and tail and aristocratic head, once seen, a Haflinger is never forgotten.
But beauty in the Haflinger world is never just skin deep. As an all round family horse it has no equal, and with its placid and friendly temperament it can turn its hoof to just about anything!
It is in a Haflinger's nature to love people, be very ‘chatty’, a bit cheeky and full of fun. Be warned – these horses are addictive and love to be someone’s best friend!
The Horse
Haflingers originated in Austria about 150 years ago when the native mountain pony was crossed with an Arab, resulting in native hardiness with spirit and elegance.
They were used as the work horse on family farms and consequently take as easily to driving as they do to riding. They were traditionally kept almost as one of the family with a stable adjacent to the family home, which probably accounts for the love of people which seems to be so inherent in the breed today.
The Haflinger these days really is both a versatile family and performance pony. Ranging in height from about 13.2hh to 15.2hh, even the smaller animals can easily carry an adult and in general, have a long elastic stride making them very comfortable to ride.
They are always varying shades of chestnut with a white or flaxen mane and tail, and have a distinctive head – expressive, lean and noble with a slight dish, and large dark but lively eyes.
Haflingers are friendly, uncomplicated and willing. These characteristics are considered as important as good conformation and are preserved through strict breeding criteria, adhered to by the Haflinger Society of Great Britain. All three-year-old fillies are inspected and graded whilst colts are assessed annually, followed by inspection at three when, if passed, they are allowed to become fully registered breeding stallions. The Stud Book ensures Haflinger-owners can trace their horse’s pedigree.
The Competitive Haflinger
Haflingers like to be busy and they not only need but also enjoy plenty of exercise. There are many Haflingers currently competing with considerable skill in many forms of equestrian activity.
They have incredible stamina and several members of the Haflinger Society of Great Britain regularly compete their Haflingers in top-level endurance rides. The stallion Bernhard followed a long and successful driving career by starting endurance riding at the age of 14, and qualifying to Gold Series within three weeks of his first competition.
The well-schooled Haflinger can compete successfully in dressage competitions, often beating horses ‘bought for the job’. Several Haflingers currently compete in affiliated dressage competitions.
Most also enjoy jumping and can compete to a good level in show jumping and cross country events, whilst the show ring also beckons to many - as showing off is a Haflinger trait!
The best place to admire and appreciate the true versatility of the Haflinger has to be the annual breed show organised by the Haflinger Society of Great Britain. This is held at the Three Counties Showground near Malvern, Worcestershire, in July. The show is an amazing spectacle with Haflingers of all shapes and sizes competing in show jumping, working hunter, showing both in hand and ridden, dressage and activity classes. Everyone is welcome but come prepared to be hooked on these amazing little horses.
For more information on Haflingers, and this year’s breed show, see our website at www.haflingersgb.com.
Return to index of Horse & Pony Breeds