The Haflinger Horse - Tyrolean Charm In A Chestnut Colored Package

The origin of the Haflinger can be traced back toHaflingers are generally pony-sized standing about 14
medieval times when writings told of an indigenoushands on the average, although the "modern" variation
Oriental breed of horse that was found in the Southerncan reach 15 hands. The desired range however is
Tyrolean Mountains on the border of present dayfrom 54 in. to 60 in, or 13.5 to 15 hands. Failure to attain
Austria and northern Italy. Many villages and farms ofthe minimum height at 3 years means the animal will
the Tyrol were accessible only by narrow pathsbe strongly discouraged from breeding. The maximum
requiring small, agile, rugged and surefooted mountainsize may be exceeded if the horse has an excellent
horses for daily transportation and packing supplies. So,or outstanding exterior evaluation.
for centuries, a line of these native horses was bred inThe most notable characteristic of the Haflinger is its
southern Tyrol. They were general riding horses, lightstriking coat color; it is always chestnut with a white, or
draft and harness horses as well as pack animals."flaxen," main and tail. Color may range from pale
Regional artwork in the early 1800's shows a noblechestnut to dark liver chestnut, but always with pale
chestnut horse with riders and packs traversing steepflaxen mane and tail. The paler, golden versions are
mountain trails.often identified as palomino. Color impurities in the base
In 1874, in the village of Hafling, Austria, (which aftercolor such as roan, or black spots are undesirable, as
WWI is now in Italy), "249 Folie", the first registeredare color impurities in the mane and tail, and any
Haflinger was born. He was sired by a royalexcessive color deviations will be considered very
half-Arabian stallion named "133 El' Bedavi XXII" andnegatively and breeding will be strongly discouraged.
out of a refined native Tyrolean mare.Head markings are desirable, but not a prerequisite,
All modern purebred Haflingers must trace theiralthough too many markings are undesirable and can
ancestry directly to Folie through seven differentend up becoming strongly discouraged for breeding.
stallion lines: A, B, M, N, S, ST, and W. Folie inherited hisLeg markings are not desirable and are penalized in
mother's strength, disposition and stamina and thethe breed standard of the AHR as follows: "One white
refined, elegant grace and bone structure of his father.leg will not be penalized, two white legs will result in a
A year later, an influential count persuaded officialsone point deduction, three white legs will result in a two
from the Austrian Imperial Ministry of Agriculture topoint deduction, and horses with four white legs or
establish an objective Haflinger breeding program.white above the knees or hocks will be strongly
After the stallion Folie, crossing with a horse fromdiscouraged from breeding. A white leg is a white sock
another breed is not permitted on either side of thethat extends above the fetlock joint. White markings
stallion or the mare. Pure breeding is the primaryare signified by a change in skin pigment."
guideline of the American Haflinger Registry(AHR) inThe basic gaits of the Haflinger are distinctive and
Rootstown, Ohio, which is the official breed associationenergetic but smooth. They are rhythmic and swinging,
and studbook registry in the United States.and consist of a 4-beat Walk, a 2-beat trot, and a
The Haflinger came to North America in 1958 when3-beat canter. The movements at a walk should be
Tempel Smith of Illinois, imported them from Austria torelaxed energetic and elevated. The movements at
begin a breeding program. Soon others beganthe trot and gallop should be supple, swinging, light on
importing Haflingers and today there several importersthe feet with a noticeable swinging phase and with a
and breeders throughout the United States andnatural suspension. Some knee action is desirable. In
Canada. While Haflingers can be imported fromparticular, the canter should demonstrate a clear
Germany, Holland, England, and Italy, most continue toforward and upward springing sequence. The horse
come from Austria.should have a good long-reaching swinging stride with
The modern Haflinger is now found all over the world,an elastic gait, showing good impulsion from behind.
active in such varied disciplines as dressage, jumping,The stride should be correct, supple and of a pure
vaulting, packing, pleasure driving, CDE, western trailrhythm without serious faults.
riding, CTE, endurance riding, draft work andThe Haflinger has a Willing, Docile and Uncomplicated
therapeutic riding programs. Haflingers hold their own intemperament. In particular, it has an excellent character
competition with other breeds, often showing surprisingwithout vices or bad habits and an even temperament.
athletics and strength for their size.Currently, there are two different types of Haflinger --
A desirable appearance of the horse is one ofa short draft style good for driving or farm work, and
elegance and harmony. A harmonious balance shoulda taller, more refined version bred for riding and
be strived for that is suitable for an all-around pleasurejumping.
horse. The Haflinger should have a lean andBasically, a Haflinger is a horse with strong character
expressive head with large forward pointing eyes andand good-natured. He should be strong all-round and
wide nostrils, well formed neck and supple mid-section,both eager and able to perform, as well as easy to
a good croup not too divided and not too short, aacclimatize to being useful for all purposes. In particular
distinct musculature as well as correct, defined limbsthis is true for riding, driving and jumping in the sport
with good joints. The tail should not be set too low.sector, but also as a working horse for pulling and
Stallions and mares for breeding should have clearlycarrying.
defined masculine or feminine features.