Origin: Austria
Height: 13.3-14.2 hh
Colors: Golden chestnut with flaxen mane and tail
Build: Wide chest and girth, muscular, strong feet, short legs
Attributes: Gentle, kind, persistent and has high endurance
History of the Haflinger Draft Horse
The Haflinger comes from the southern Tyrol region of the Austrian Alps. El Bedavi was imported from Arabia by an Austrian in the 19th century, to be bred to the mountain ponies that lived in his isolated mountain region. The mix of hot-blooded Arabian horse to the cold-blooded mares of the area resulted in the Haflinger. After the infusion of Arabian blood, the breeding of the Haflinger was almost exclusively pure. Thus their gorgeous golden color always breeds true. Almost all Haflingers can be traced back to El Bedavi XXII, the original's great-grandson, who was bred at the Austro-Hungarian stud at Radautz. One of his offspring, Folie, bred in 1874, is the foundation sire of the breed.
Because Haflingers were bred to be hardy and were mostly popular in more isolated areas they did not suffer too badly from the industrial revolution. In fact the Haflinger was highly admired during World War II for its strength and toughness. Haflingers were used so often during the war that the breed's confirmation actually changed to become stockier and more draft-like. Fortunately after the War the refinement that had always marked the Haflinger returned and today it is more similar to its original appearance.
The Haflinger is so cherished, especially in Austria, the Austrian government has set into place a preservation program, enthusiastically involving itself in the breeding of the horse, to make sure that it retains all of its unique attributes.
Characteristics of the Haflinger Draft Horse
Appearance and Conformation of the Haflinger Draft Horse
The most arresting characteristic of the Haflinger is its color. The golden chestnut matched with the flaxen blond of its mane and tail cause the otherwise diminutive horse to stand out.
Being a pony, the Haflinger stands about 13.3 hh. Overall it is a stocky horse. Haflingers are very strong for a pony, with short, sturdy-boned legs. A Haflinger's shoulders should slope well and the hooves are hard, solid hooves. The back is long because the Haflinger was bred, in part, as a pack horse.
Today there are two types of Haflingers; the first is a lighter version that is used primarily for riding. The second Haflinger is a sturdier breed that has a more stout build. Both types of pony are equally sure footed and sound. Haflingers have an easy time working on steep, rocky mountains, while maintaining their easy and free gaits.
The Haflinger is one of the hardiest of the pony and draft breeds. Haflingers do not require nearly as much food as other horses. Haflingers are perfectly happy living in harsh conditions, partly because they were bred on the inhospitable conditions of their home mountains and partly because Haflingers are raised on Alpine pastures, where the air is thinner, so their lungs and hearts develop more fully. The final aspect of a Haflingers rearing is that they are not worked until they are four years old. Perhaps because of this many Haflingers are known to be still active and healthy at 40 years old.
Temperament of the Haflinger Draft Horse
As with most draft horses, the Haflinger is very calm and kind horse. True to its pony blood, the Haflinger is far more stubborn than its larger counterparts. Quietness and docility are the characteristics most often praised about the Haflinger. But this little draft horse also has plenty of spirit, and a hardy soul. As their mountain heritage testifies, the Haflinger is willing to work with whatever it is given and highly capable of completing almost anything asked of it. Many casual observers may consider the Haflinger to be simple or uncomplicated, however those who work with Haflingers on regular basis often claim that the Haflinger has an inner quietude and calm that make it appear to be unconcerned.
Uses for the Haflinger Draft Horse
Akin to the Brabant, the Haflinger is a very versatile horse and can be used for almost any type of farm work. Although Haflingers lack the strength that is necessary for pulling huge loads, the Haflinger is perfect for a smaller farm. Most often used as a pack horse, the Haflinger is also a lovely mount for riding and has an easy pace that is good for driving. The Haflinger makes a great trekking pony and are highly popular in the stony English countryside.
Besides their draft work, Haflingers, because of their wonderful coloring and free action, are often used for matched driving teams. Haflingers are also popular as endurance horses and dressage ponies. The Haflinger is also commonly used in therapeutic riding programs, where their small size and gentle attitudes make them highly valuable.