Haflinger

One of Europe's most attractive ponies is the golden Haflinger of the Austrian Tyrol. The ponies are now bred in many parts of the world, but their original home is in the are of the village of Haflinger, near Meron in the Etschlander Mountains, where Haflingers have been bred and raised for centuries.

The Haflinger is raised on mountain pasture and is not used until it is four. Probably as a result, the breed is noted for its longevity; many of the ponies are still able to work at the advanced age of 40.

Haflingers are docile, strongly built, very tough and capable of much work without needing much food. These characteristics, together with their surefootedness make them the ideal choice for all sorts of agricultural and forestry work and as pack ponies for carrying loads over mountain tracks. In this last context, much use has been made of the breed as a military animal. Increasingly, however, the modern Haflinger is in demand as a riding pony.

The original descent of the Haflinger is possibly from the cold-blooded Alpine Heavy Horse, but the greatest single influence is that of the Arabian sire, El Bevadi, through his half-breed grandson, El Bevadi XXII. The latter was bred at the Austro-Hungarian Stud at Radantz, and is responsible for four of the five main Haflinger bloodlines, the fifth being that of "40 Willy," a grandson of "252/233 Hafling." As a result of careful inbreeding, an unmistakable type has been produced and there is a notable similarity between the ponies.

The Haflinger, either a chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, or a golden palomino, stands about 13.3 hands. The head is small, but elegant and similar to that of an Arab, narrowing to a delicate muzzle. the back is broad and strong, the hindquarters are rounded and powerful and the legs short but sturdy.

The brand of the Austrian Haflinger is that country's native flower, the edelweiss, with the letter H in the center.

Look for an update on this article.

For more information on Haflingers, visit:

• Avelignese
• BriarCroft Haflinger Horses, Washington State
• Canadian Haflinger Association
• Haflinger Association of North America
• Haflinger Horse Breeders Association of Tyrol
• Haflinger Resources
• Hawk Haven Farm
• Oklahoma State University
• Western Haflinger Association
• Bibliography

© Copyright 1992-2002 NorthWest Breyer Horse Club.
Published October 1992 in NorthWest Breyer Horse Club Newsletter. (ma)

	© 1997-2007 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007		Enter city or US Zip