The Haflinger

The Haflinger pony originated in Austria, in the Tyrolian area of the Alps. The name, Haflinger, is taken from a small Italian city by the name of Hafling. The breed itself is believed to have originated from the mating of an Arab stallion, El Bedavi XXII, and an Austrian mountain pony. The resulting colt was born in 1874 and is believed to be the father of the breed.

Imported into the United States in 1958, Alvin Laremie registered the first Canadian Haflinger in 1977. Three years later, the Canadian Haflinger Association was formed with Mr. Laremie as the president. The Association has grown quite large over the years and now has over 1000 horses registered.

Haflingers range in height from 13 -15 hands (52 - 60 inches) and in weight from 800 to 1300 pounds. The shade of Haflingers varies, but they all contain a hint of Chestnut. Most range from a blonde colour to a dark chocolate. Stealing the show for characteristics are the manes and tails. They hair tends to be very profuse and flaxen in colour. The horses have a strong arched neck, wide-spaced eyes, and small ears. The body is broad and deep with strong legs and relatively large, hard hooves.

Haflingers are considered 'easy keepers'. They have earned this reputation by displaying a gentle temperment and being well-natured. Haflingers also tend to have considerably long life spans, with mares producing foals into their 20's and then continuing to live to into their 30's.

The ways of their original habitat has followed these horses to Canada. A traditional Haflinger would have been used for draft work, mountain trekking, and as a family mount. Such characteristics have made the horse useable as a farm horse, carriage horse, or even a jumping horse.

The long white mane and tail, its ease of movement, and its superb intellect have dawned the horse as the perfect family horse.