Horse
Pronunciation:
Haff-ling-a
Breed Description:
The Haflinger breed of horse is in fact an Austrian pony that originated in the Etschlander Mountains. It is branded with the letter “H” in the middle of a shape that represents the Austrian native flower, edelweiss.
Haflingers are usually chestnut in color with a flaxen mane and tail. For this reason they are also called "palomino ponies", particularly in the US.
This is not a heavy breed, but well muscled with short, strong and sturdy legs. The cannon bones are short and the feet hard-wearing. Haflingers have well built shoulders which results in a good long stride. The breed is a very elegant and attractive looking one.
The Haflinger was originally bred to do work as a mountain pack horse, and also forestry and agricultural work in and around the village of Hafling, and of course the Etschlander Mountains where it came from. The mountain climate is great to ensure hardiness in these horses. They are extremely sure-footed and cope easily with work on the steep mountain slopes. They are small but very strong horses and they will happily, and easily, carry adults, in spite of their size.
Today they are still used for pack work and draught work, but also for driving in light harness and as riding horses. They are particularly reliable as a harness pony. Haflingers are also used for competition riding such as, dressage, show jumping, eventing and vaulting for children, and even Western showing. They make very good trail riding horses and are used for therapeutic riding programs.
There are breed organizations in many countries that promote the breed. Most are linked through the World Haflinger Federation (WHF).
Temperament:
The Haflinger breed of horse is docile, easy-going and it generally has a good disposition.
Height:
The Haflinger breed of horse traditionally stands up to 13.3 hands, or 55 inches at the withers. Today some breeders outside of Austria are aiming for taller horses, up to 15 hands.
Weight:
The Haflinger breed of horse weighs between 800 and 1300 pounds, largely depending on its height.
Health Problems:
The Haflinger breed of horse has no specific health problems and it generally resists disease. It has an excellent reputation for soundness.
Living Conditions:
The Haflinger breed of horse is hardy due to its origins. It will happily live out, but may be stabled at night particularly if it is used for competition.
Exercise:
The Haflinger breed of horse is energetic. An exercise regime will depend on what sort of work it does. For example competition horses will need to be kept in training.
Life Expectancy:
The Haflinger breed of horse is known to live a fit and healthy life up to 40 years. This is probably because those in Austria are commonly raised in the mountains and not put to work until they are about four years old. This process of "alping" the young ensures that they develop healthy lungs and a healthy heart.
Grooming:
The Haflinger breed of horse, if in work, should be groomed regularly to keep its coat healthy and its mane and tail clean.
Origin:
The Haflinger breed of horse originated in the Etschlander Mountains around the village of Hafling, in the Southern Austrian Tyrol. There are various theories about its distant ancestors, including a suggestion that the Eastern Goths left horses behind in the Tyrolese valleys when they fled from Byzantine troops in 555 AD. Its more recent ancestry can be traced to the Arabians, in particular a stallion called El Bedavi that was imported into Austria in the 19th century. The breed has five main bloodlines, all of which go back to El Bedavi. Even though Haflingers are now found all over the world, breeding stock is taken from state-owned studs in Austria, where the quality of the breed is carefully monitored. 