Haflinger horses are most known as thorough and resistant workers from the Alps region. They exhibit lush manes and tails of a light, yellowish color and a very charismatic and approachable character. The Haflinger horse is great both for beginners and for experienced riders. Its mellow temperament and constant energy make it a great choice for sporting events and for casual riding or work.
History and Origins
The Haflinger horse originated in Austria, in the Tyrol region. Their ancestors were working horses with docile and sure-footed horses were bred by the villagers. All Haflinger horses have the 249 Folie, the breed’s foundation stallion, as their common ancestor. He was the foal of a half-Arabian stallion crossed with a Tyrolean mare.
The name of the breed comes from the name of the village where the breed’s foundation stallion was born in the late 19th century. 7 stallion lines were founded over the course of the next decades, all descendants of the 249 Folie.
However, the breed suffered many alterations during the second World War, when short and strong horses were needed to carry the heavy equipment. Since then, Haflinger horses have regained their initial traits: versatile, with a strong constitution and an undemanding personality.
The Tyrolean Association of Haflinger Breeders was founded in 1921 in Austria and by 1927 they already had 200 mares available for breeding. In 1931, the first Italian Original Haflinger stud book developed in South Tyrol, with 330 mares and 40 stallions. The World Haflinger Federation was founded in 1976 and helped spread the breed at an international level.
Even though its registry initially existed in Austria and Italy, Haflinger horses are now officially bred in over 60 countries. the World Haflinger Federation has 22 national registries in the US alone, with more than 11,000 owners and 30,000 Haflinger horses.
Breed Particularities
The Haflinger horses are robust and reliable equines. Because high attention is paid to the breeding process, undesirable traits are uncommon among foals from their registry. They have no breed-specific health issues and, given they’re mountain horses that used to be hard workers, they are very resistant.
A pure breed Haflinger horse can only descend from registered Haflinger parents. The breeding and registration process is strongly supervised, and color impurities in the base color or the mane and tail are not a desirable trait. If the colors show excessive deviations, the foal will not be a recommended breeding option. Certain markings on the head can be encouraged if they fit strict registry criteria.
Before registering, a Haflinger foal or young horse has to show its breed’s particularities:
- Good-natured, resistant, eager, flexible character.
- Conformation.
- Basic gaits: walk, trot.
- Free schooling.
Physical Characteristics of a Haflinger Horse
Unlike other horse breeds, the Haflinger can be instantly recognized by its luxurious and light-colored mane and tail, usually with flaxen nuances.
Their necks are long and strong and support an elegant head with big, friendly eyes. The middle section of a Haflinger is supple when compared to the rest of the body, and its croup is medium in size. With strong limbs and very mobile joints, a Haflinger horse has a well-balanced overall structure and an athletic appearance.
Height: 15.2 hands, shorter than most breeds
Weight: 1050 pounds, heavier than most breeds
Life expectancy: 25 – 30 years
Color: pale chestnut, dark liver chestnut, and everything in between
A Haflinger Horse’s Temperament
Contrary to the popular belief, Haflinger horses are among the most amiable and resistant to stress equines. Very few things can upset a Haflinger horse and their reaction will me more from the cold-blooded side of their line, which makes them cooperative and unlikely to resist or oppose authority. They are very reliable and cooperative, no task being too much for a Haflinger. They also have a surprising amount of energy and are eager to help in any way they can, making them great for work or leisure riding.
A Haflinger horse is great around children. Although more playful than affectionate, they love challenges and activities.
Having a Haflinger Horse
A Haflinger horse is resistant and easy to care for. They do not need a large stall if they have the option of going outdoors and exercising regularly, given their energetic nature. With great social skills towards peers and humans, they are playful creatures that get easily bored, so distractions like toys are recommended if they spend a lot of time by themselves.
When preparing for the arrival of your Haflinger horse, you need to spend some money on:
- A trailer – anywhere from $1,500 to $50,000.
- Tack – from $600 to $6000.
- Vet check – $550 at most.
- Grooming equipment – $100 on the high end.
Having a Haflinger horse also implies certain yearly expenses. These start at about $4,700 for basic amenities and can surpass $30,000. These costs are mainly determined by:
- Boarding.
- Training.
- Food.
- Pasture.
Expenses that don’t vary much but were included in the initial calculations are:
- Farrier.
- Insurance.
- Bedding.
- Medical care.
A Haflinger horse’s diet consists of hay and grain, but given their origins, they also enjoy fruits and vegetables from time to time.
Common Uses for Haflinger Horses
Nowadays, a Haflinger horse can easily perform in draft and pack work, light harness, combined driving, or under-saddle events. They are among the few breeds used for equine-assisted therapy thanks to their kind and flexible nature (see more here), and their high endurance to stress. They are also widely used for riding classes for children and adults.
The Haflinger horse is one of the most strong and gentle equines in our day. It combines the robust traits of cold-blooded ancestors with the energy of a hot-blooded horse to create a multi-talented equine that it disciplined, flexible and charming.