Named for the Tyrolean village of Hafling, the Haflinger breed is a wonderful recreational and family horse with many desirable traits. A beautiful horse, they are well known for their versatility, character, strength and endurance, safety and dependability.
Originally, Haflingers were a sturdy mountain pony of the southern Tyrolean Mountains of present-day Austria and Northern Italy. In earlier times, many of the hamlets studding these rugged mountains were accessible only by steep and narrow mountain trails. Villagers in the region needed a dependable, versatile pack animal to traverse this terrain. Haflingers are powerfully built, surefooted and have a long stride, even when traversing
steep and mountainous terrain.
The present day Haflinger traces its ancestral roots to 1874, the product of breeding a half-Arabian stallion with a Tyrolean mare. Today, the Haflinger breed can be found in more than 40 countries, employed in a wide variety of uses, including trail riding, draft work, packing, dressage and jumping, vaulting, light harness driving, and various carrying and pulling chores.
A predictable and sweet-tempered mount, the Haflinger will capture the hearts of horse lovers looking for an equine companion with an uncomplicated, friendly and forgiving personality and beautiful physical traits, including a characteristic chestnut or palomino coloring and flaxen mane and tail.
Want to learn more? Check out www.haflingerhorse.com, home of the American Haflinger Registry.