The Haflinger hails from the Southern Tyrolean Mountains of Austria and Northern Italy and is thought to have been there since medieval times. In fact, the horse gets its name from the Tyrolean village of Hafling. The only out-crossing of this breed was in the late 1800s to the stallion, Folie, whose sire was a Half-Arabian. No other foreign blood has been allowed since.
Traditionally, the Haflinger was an alpine pack and riding horse. Today, the horses are shown in riding and driving throughout the world, but many are still found in their original mountain environment at work with farmers.
All Haflingers are chestnut in color (ranging from light to very dark) with white manes and tails. Heights range from 13.2 to 15 hands high. The overall appearance of the Haflinger is an elegant, athletic and sturdy medium-sized horse.
American Haflinger Registry, www.haflingerhorse.com
Further Reading:
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
Like many draft breeds, the Percheron was used on farms across Europe and America. Today,…
Maybe it’s the flowing leg feathers, the gentle personality, or maybe it’s the height—18 hands?…
You may not have heard of the Mangalarga Marchador, but if you are looking for…
A little piece of Austrian gold, the Haflinger breed is a small horse whose hearty…
The Mongol Derby—the longest horse race in the world—is undeniably an adventure of a lifetime. Riders cover over 1,000 kilometers as…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
As equestrians, we understand that our body is our most valuable tool when communicating with our equine partners under saddle.…
Horse people are typically made from hardy stock, but that doesn’t negate the need for equestrian wellness—especially during winter. Self-care…