Haflingers
The Haflinger Horse History
The Haflinger is a horse from the Tyrolean Mountains
The Haflinger horse breed originated in 1874 with the birth of the stallion 249 Folie, sired by an Arabian stallion in the South Tyrolean Alps out of a mare from a Tyrolean mountain breed. All subsequent stallions and mares can be traced back to that first entry.Organized Haflinger horse breeding started in 1921. Since then the Haflingers have been registered in an unbroken line, they must be purebred back to the founding stallion. Today all seven bloodlines still exist, all Haflingers worldwide still being traced back through these.
These seven Haflinger stallion lines descend from Folie. Five of the lines go back via 54 Genter, a Folie son born in 1897, to the stallion Liz. 42 Mandl, born in 1904. Only the A-line can be traced back to Folie direct via Campi, born in 1896, whilst the W-line goes back via Sarn, born in 1915, to 291 Jenner and liz. 252/233 Haflinger to 249 Folie. Thus it was particularly important to continue the A-line since this is of entirely different stock, descending directly from the stallion Folie. Today, the A-line - it had become almost extinct 50 years ago - is the most important line of stallions worldwide.
From a workhorse to a leisure horse
The Haflinger horse breed origin can be traced to medieval times when writings told of an Oriental breed of horse found in the Southern Tyrolean Mountains of present day Austria and northern Italy. Many of the villages and farms in the Tyrol were accessible only by narrow paths requiring agile and surefooted horses for transportation and packing. Artwork from the region in the early 1800s depicts a noble chestnut horse with riders and packs traversing steep mountain trails.
During the years of World War II, there was a significant shift in breeding practices because the military needed a packhorse that was shorter and stockier. Since the war, the height and refinement of the breed have returned, with an emphasis on developing a small horse that is versatile for both riding and driving. Characteristics observed are a strong constitution, a solid conformation with substantial bone, and an uncomplicated personality.
The specialty of the Haflinger lies, of course, in its unique golden chestnut coloring with a long, flowing white mane and tail. But more unique is the people loving, willing and forgiving temperament that was established over centuries of living alongside and working with the mountain peasants,
serving all purposes for all family members. Haflingers very simply became part of the family.
The modern Haflinger horse is now found all over the world, active in such varied disciplines as dressage, jumping, vaulting, packing, pleasure driving, CDE, western trail riding, CTE, endurance riding, draft work and therapeutic riding programs. Haflingers hold their own in competition with other breeds, often showing surprising athleticism and strength for their size.
The Haflinger horse continues to capture hearts and enrich lives as it has for over two centuries. Horse lovers desiring an equine companion that is safe, versatile, dependable, and beautiful have discovered the Haflinger. Intelligence, character, willingness, grace, stamina, athleticism, and long life make the Haflinger a wise choice for everyone.
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