Origin
Austria
History
Early origin of the Haflinger is uncertain. The home of the breed is the village of Hafling in the valley of Sarn and the principal stud is in Jenesien. Early inhabitants are believed to have been descendants of the Ostrogoths who settled in the Etschlander Mountains during the sixth century. They crossed their small Arab-type horses with the coldblooded native mountain ponies. Another belief is that the Haflinger traces to a stallion sent as a gift to the Margrave Louis of Brandenburg as a wedding gift in 1342.
In the 19th century, Arab blood was infused when the stallion El Bedavi XXII was used. A son of his, Follie, foaled in 1874, became the foundation sire of the breed.
The Haflinger has spread far beyond its original home and is bred today in over twenty countries. In Austria, state studs own the stallions and careful quality control is maintained. There is a notable Haflinger stud in the UK, which was founded in the 1960s by the Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth, Derbyshire. In Italy descendants of this same small mountain horse are called Avelignese.
Description
- Head:
small, well-shaped head showing Arab influence - Conformation:
-strong, muscular neck broad at the base
-nicely sloped and well muscled shoulders
-deep and wide chest
-straight, strong and short back
-muscled and sloping croup
-powerful and muscular quarters
-short legs with broad, hard joints
-hard and healthy hooves - Average height:
12.3 to 14 h.h. - Colours:
always palomino or chestnut - Temperament:
calm, willing - Today:
it has become popular in many parts of the world as a driving and riding pony, and is often used for work in forestry and woodland.
