The pride of the Austrians who have bred it for many years in the Tyrolean mountains, the Haflinger is a great pony very popular with riders and families. Considered in France as a D pony, the Haflinger is ridden in many equestrian disciplines (dressage, driving, vaulting, etc.). Recognizable by its characteristic coat, the Haflinger is now very present in France.
Breed History
Son of an Arab stallion (El Bedavi) and a native mare, the first Haflinger stallion was born in 1874 in Austria. It then bears the name of “Madness”. All the stallions of the breed, from the youngest to the oldest, descend from this first stallion.
The Haflinger was in great danger during the two world wars. To save the breed, breeders direct it to agricultural work. It was not until 1946 that the breed’s Stud-Book was opened.
Today, the Haflinger has become a real leisure horse appreciated for its versatility
Physical peculiarities
His head: the head of the Haflinger is short with a slightly concave muzzle and a broad forehead. The ears are small and the eyes are lively and sweet.
Its neckline: the neckline is rather long and powerful.
His body: the Haflinger is an elegant and powerful horse. Its croup is wide and its withers well marked. The shoulders are long and well shaped.
Its limbs: the limbs are short and muscular. The feet are wide and sturdy.
His coat: the Haflinger’s coat is always chestnut with washed horsehair. A header or a list is present on the head of the Haflinger.
His hair: they are worn long and are relatively abundant.
His gaits: the gaits are ample, supple and regular. The Haflinger is appreciated for its rhythmic trot.
Use
The Haflinger is mainly ridden in recreational riding. Versatile, it is found in many equestrian disciplines such as endurance, trail riding, TREC, driving and CSO. It is also found in vaulting, horse-ball and dressage.
Due to its innumerable abilities, the Haflinger is a horse that is often present in the cavalries of equestrian centers.
Famous Haflinger Horses
The first cloned horse in the world is a Haflinger filly born in 2003 by the sweet name of Prometea.
Breeding
In France, the Haflinger is mainly bred in Burgundy, Alsace-Lorraine and Pays de la Loire. Although it has long been bred in the North Tyrol region, since 1975 it is mainly bred in France. Many farms are also present in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Australia and other countries around the world.
To be considered a Haflinger, a horse must descend from one of the seven lines of the breed’s first stallion: Folie.
Today, the Association Française du Haflinger has a specific objective: to improve the breed by breeding the best mares. Mares can be confirmed for breeding from the age of 2.5 years. They can then claim three different labels. Confirmed mares can thus be “Advised”, “Recommended” or “Elite”.
Created in 1976, the World Haflinger Federation also manages international breeding and the organization of breed shows intended to present the most beautiful models of Haflinger.
