Haflinger Horses

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The Haflinger horse is also known as the Avelignese since it was developed in Austria and northern Italy in the late 1800s. They’re a breed of horse with so much power and endurance that enables them to ultimately surpass any other horse breeds. No matter how difficult the world may be, the Haflingers will always be triumphant.

Haflinger horses hails from the race of mountain ponies that grazed the Alps for centuries. Mountain farmers used these ponies as all-around helpers that do tasks like plowing, transporting, packing up steel trails, pulling logs from the forests, etc.

The families during these times have only kept those horses which they could handle. In 1874, an Arabian blood was added in the breeding, and then a foundation Haflinger sire named “Folie” was born. Despite how the world has changed, the Haflinger did not mind these changes and just kept on working. Because of their willingness to work, power, thriftiness, and skills, they were mostly used as military pack horses in the Second World War. When the war was over, the Austrian government took over the breeding of the horses. In the 1960s, the first Haflingers were imported to the United States. One of the herds was purchased by a company, the Heisdorf and Nelson while the other united with the famous Lippizans at the Tempel Farms in Illinois. In North America alone, there are 10, 000 Haflingers. Many breeders have turned to Haflingers because of their characteristics.

They easily learn and are wise which made the more suitable for therapeutic riding, dressage ring, jumping and combined driving. There are already lots of Haflingers al over the world, but the breeding stock still comes from Austria. In 2003, there are already 250,000 Haflingers.

Haflingers always come in chestnut color with a height between 13.2 to 15 hands high. Their necks are of medium length, well-pronounced withers, the legs are clean and the socks are powerful. Their tendons and ligaments are well-defined. Official breeding standards have made a quiet and kind temperament as a requirement.

They are versatile enough to be used in various under saddle disciplines and even in draft and driving work. Aside from this, they are also excellent for draft and pack work, light harness, combined driving, western style horse show classes, trail and endurance riding, dressage, show jumping, vaulting and other therapeutic riding programs.