handbook - American Haflinger Registry

Haflinger HistoryThe Haflinger is truly America’s family horse. The beauty and charm of the Haflinger have beenknown to steal a part of your heart forever. The breed origin can be traced to medieval timeswhen writings told of an Oriental breed of horse found in the Southern Tyrolian mountains ofpresent day Austria and northern Italy. Many of the villages and farms in the Tyrol wereaccessible only by narrow paths requiring agile and surefooted horses for transportation andpacking. Artwork from the region in the early 1800’s depicts a noble chestnut horse with ridersand packs traversing steep mountain trails.The first official documentation of the present day Haflinger (named for the Tyrolean village ofHafling) was in 1874 when the foundation stallion 249 Folie was born of the half-Arab stallion 133El’ Bedavi XXII crossed with a refined native Tyrolean mare. All modern purebred Haflingers musttrace their ancestry directly to Folie through seven different stallion lines: A, B, M, N, S, ST, and W.During the years of World War II, there was a significant shift in breeding practices because themilitary needed a packhorse that was shorter and stockier. Postwar, the height and refinement of thebreed have returned, with an emphasis on developing a small horse that is versatile for both ridingand driving. Characteristics observed are a strong constitution, a solid conformation with substantialbone, and an uncomplicated personality.The specialty of the Haflinger lies, of course, in its unique golden chestnut coloring with the longflowing white mane and tail. But more unique is the people-loving, willing and forgiving temperamentthat 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 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 otherbreeds, often showing surprising athleticism and strength for their size.The Haflinger continues to capture hearts and enrich lives as it has for over two centuries. The horseloving public who desires an equine companion that is safe, versatile, dependable, and beautiful havediscovered the Haflinger. Intelligence, character, willingness, grace, stamina, athleticism, and a longlife make the Haflinger a wise choice for everyone.1/05 IV-A-141