Haflinger
Horse History
The history of the Haflinger horse can be traced to medieval
times when writings told of an Oriental race of horse found
in the Southern Tyrolean Mountains which were once part of
Austria, but now belong to Northern Italy. Many of the villages
and farms in the Tyrol were accessible only by narrow paths
requiring agile and sure-footed horses for transportation
and packing. Artwork from the region from the early 1800s
depicts a small noble chestnut horse with packs and riders
traversing steep mountain trails.
The first official documentation of the present day Haflinger
(named after the South-Tyrolean village of Hafling) was in
1874 when the foundation stallion 249 Folie was born of the
half-Arab stallion 133 El' Bedavi XXII crossed with a refined
native Tyrolean mare. All modern purebred Haflingers must
trace 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, as pack horses were needed by
the military and a shorter, draftier Haflinger fitted the
bill. Following the war, the height and refinement of the
breed returned with an emphasis on developing a small horse
that was versatile for both riding and driving, with a strong
constitution, a solid conformation with substantial bone,
and an uncomplicated personality.
The uniqueness of the Haflinger lies, of course, in its
golden chestnut coloring and long flowing white or flaxen
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 majority of Haflingers are still imported from Austria
even today. State studs own the stallions in Austria, carefully
maintaining the quality of the breed. The first Haflingers
arrived in the United States in 1958 when Tempel Smith of
Tempel Farm, Wadsworth, Illinois imported them from Austria
to begin a breeding program along with his imported Lipizzan
horses.
The modern Haflinger is now found all over the world, active
in such varied uses as draft work, packing, light harness
and combined driving, western and trail riding, endurance
riding, dressage and jumping, vaulting and therapeutic riding
programs. Haflingers hold their own in competition with other
breeds, often showing surprising athleticism and strength
for their size.
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