Haflinger - The fascinating blond all-rounders

The history of the Haflinger

Haflingers, one of the most famous horse breeds in the world, originate from the Alpine regions of Austria and Italy. Their origins date back to the 19th century, when robust and versatile horses were bred for work in the mountains. The name "Haflinger" is derived from the municipality of Hafling in South Tyrol.

Crossbreeding with Arabian horses resulted in the characteristic traits: Strength, endurance and a balanced temperament. Today, Haflingers are known worldwide as leisure, sport and therapy horses.

Use and breeding objectives of Haflinger Horses throughout history

Originally, the Haflinger was used as a light workhorse in the high mountains. There they helped with various tasks on the mountain farms, either carrying loads to supply remote farms with food or working as a draught horse on the mountain fields and in the steep forest.

After the Second World War, the use of horses for work decreased due to motorization. Nevertheless, the Haflinger is still used today for special tasks, such as supplying remote alpine huts, bringing wood from steep or soft forest areas, or as a pack animal for various armies worldwide. However, these uses are limited, which is why the search is on for new uses for the Haflinger that do justice to its inner qualities such as calmness, composure, and child-friendliness.

These character traits have led to the Haflinger being bred into a popular leisure horse. This process began in the early 1950s and was documented in publications and books by the Tyrolean breeding director Otto Schweisgut. In the process, the Haflinger was developed into a versatile riding and carriage horse, which was a long but successful path.

Nowadays, the Haflinger is bred as an all-purpose leisure horse, whereby characteristics for riding and driving in the leisure sector are particularly important. A balanced temperament and an excellent character are considered to be decisive. The external appearance of a Haflinger should be elegant and dynamic, with chestnut colors being preferred.

Breeding stallions and mares should have clear sexual characteristics. Head markings are permitted, but not a requirement, while leg markings are not desirable.The size of the Haflinger Horse is between 140 and 155 centimeters. A harmonious conformation with a dry head, a long neck, and a muscular croup is desired.

The foundation of the Haflinger should be convincing with clear joints and the gait should be correct, elastic, and in step. The breeding goals have hardly changed over the generations, but modern Haflinger horses are now bigger, more elegant, and more charming than ever before, thanks to the continuous development of breeding

Precious Blood Haflinger - A modern approach to breeding

The Edelbluthaflinger breed in Germany has clear breeding objectives. This horse breed should have a height of around 144 cm to 152 cm and originate in Germany. The ox-blood percentage should be between a minimum of 1.57 percent and a maximum of 25 percent, based on at least six generations of ancestors. You can find out what the ox blood percentage means here.

Characteristics of the noble blood Haflinger

1. Elegance and aesthetics:
   • Head: Noble head with broad forehead, large, friendly eyes and a slightly concave forehead-nose profile.
   • Build: Harmonious long rectangular build, with a sloping shoulder, pronounced withers and a well-muscled croup.
   • Movement: Spacious, tactful gaits that are particularly suitable for dressage and show jumping.
2. Functionality and robustness:
   • Foundation: Dry, clearly defined joints, medium-length pasterns and resilient, medium-sized hooves.
   • Versatility: In addition to their elegant appearance, thoroughbred Haflingers impress with their performance in sport - from dressage to show jumping and driving.

Character traits of the noble blood Haflinger

The noble blood Haflinger has just as impressive a character as its traditional relatives. They are characterized by the following qualities:

• Willingness to perform: These horses are willing to work and always show enthusiasm for demanding tasks.
• Calmness and strong nerves: Despite their elegance, they remain calm and focused in stressful situations.
• Friendliness and accessibility: With their people-oriented nature, they are ideal for riders of all ages.
• Versatility: Whether as sport horses, leisure companions or in breeding - they fulfill a variety of requirements with flying colors.

The noble blood Haflinger combines the best of two worlds: the strength and robustness of the traditional Haflingerwith the elegance and dynamic movement added by the proportion of Arabian blood. This unique combination makes them sought-after partners in riding and driving as well as an important component of modern breeding programs.

The character of the Haflinger

Haflingers are not only popular worldwide because of their attractive appearance, but also because of their exceptional character. Their versatility and balanced temperament make them ideal partners for sport, leisure and even therapeutic purposes. The character of the Haflinger combines strength, sensitivity and versatility. Their calmness, resilience and good-naturedness make them the perfect partner for riders of all ages and experience levels. At the same time, they remain independent enough to give pleasure to experienced horse lovers.

1. sensitive, but resilient

Although Haflingers are considered robust horses, they are also surprisingly sensitive. They respond finely to their rider's aids and are often very people-oriented. This combination makes them ideal for riders of all levels of experience:

• For beginners: Their calmness helps inexperienced riders to build up confidence.
• For advanced learners: They show a high willingness to perform if they are treated consistently and fairly.

2. child-friendly and patient

Thanks to their calm nature and high tolerance threshold, Haflingers are often the first choice for families and children:

• Their patience also allows young riders to make mistakes without the horses becoming restless.
• They tend to remain calm in stressful situations, which is particularly appreciated in beginner riding lessons.

Note: Despite their good nature, children should never work unsupervised with a Haflinger, as the horses can sometimes get their own way.

3. strong nerves and versatile

At work and in sport, Haflingers regularly prove how strong their nerves are. This characteristic is particularly evident in demanding environments such as:

• tournaments: They remain focused and reliable even in noisy crowds.
• Driving: Their calmness makes them excellent carriage horses, even in hectic situations.

4. willing to work and powerful

Haflingers are known for their pronounced eagerness to work. They love to be challenged, be it riding, driving or other tasks:

• Their power makes them ideal for tasks that require physical strength, such as pulling carriages or working off-road.
• At the same time, they enjoy mental challenges, which makes them excellent partners for ground work or circus lessons.

5. versatile in use

Thanks to their adaptable character, Haflingers are at home in almost all riding and driving disciplines:

• Leisure: They are reliable partners for relaxed rides or trail riding.
• Sport: From dressage to show jumping, they show off their talent.
• Therapy: Their gentle nature and trust in people make them ideal for therapeutic purposes.

6. headstrong, but willing to learn

Despite their many positive characteristics, Haflingers sometimes have a mind of their own. Their headstrong behavior requires consistency and clear leadership from their rider. But with the right mix of patience and training, they are extremely adaptable and motivated.

The typical appearance of the Haflinger

Haflingers are medium-sized horses with a height of 140 to 155 cm. They have a muscular, compact appearance and a coat that varies from reddish-brown to golden. Their light-colored mane and tail are trademarks of the breed.

Important features:

• Harmonious build with a strong foundation.
• Expressive head with large nostrils.
• Elegant neck and muscular hindquarters.

Haflinger in competition sport

Haflingers are not only convincing as leisure horses, but also in competition sport. Whether in dressage, show jumping, eventing or driving - the blonde horses deliver outstanding performances.

• Dressage: From beginner to advanced level dressage. Examples: Franziska Keth and Haflinger Amani.
• Show jumping: Agile and maneuverable on the course.
• Eventing: Powerful and enduring off-road.
• Driving: World-class performances at championships, e.g. by Ivonne Hellenbrand and Haflinger Anderson.

Haflinger as a dressage horse 

In dressage riding, golden horses with a light mane are seen relatively often, especially in the lower classes, as they are a popular breed for beginners and are often used by young children astheir first horse. But Haflingers are now also represented in the higher classes. For example Amani with Franziska Keth, who have worked their way up to advanced (S**) level dressage tests in recent years and show that anything is possible with Haflingers in dressage. 

Haflinger in show jumping

➡️ Video tipHaflinger in action! - At the European Haflinger Championships in Stadl-Paula, Austria.

Haflinger in eventing 

➡️ Video tip: Haflinger in eventing! - Experience the Haflinger up close at the European Haflinger Championships in Stadl Paula.

With pony power through the terrain, the Haflingers show that. Even if you might not initially believe that the blond horses are capable of it, the Haffis fly through the terrain with their riders and show that they can also impress in eventing. In eventing, the blonde athletes not only have to show their skills in cross-country but also dressage and jumping competitions. 

Haflinger in other disciplines

In addition to the main disciplines, Haflingers are also active in driving and western riding. Ivonne Hellenbrand and her 19-year-old Haflinger Anderson show that Haflingers can also be successful in driving. In 2023, they came 5th in the individual classification for single horses at the World Championships in Para Driving driving world championships. Here you can seeIvonneHellenbrand and Anderson in action:

Haflinger breeding

The breeding objectives of Haflingers vary from region to region, but they have one thing in common: the promotion of a versatile, healthy and powerful horse that is convincing in various areas of use. In both Germany and Austria, there are specific criteria that define the character, conformation and functionality of Haflingers.

German breeding goals

In Germany, the focus is on a harmonious, elegant appearance and versatile application options. The main objectives include:

• Compact build with an elegant appearance.
• Head: Short and dry, broad forehead, large, clear eye, sufficiently wide ganaches and a slightly concave forehead-nose profile.
• Neck: Sufficiently long and light in the nape.
• Build: Rectangular in shape with well-defined withers, longitudinal oval ribbing and a long, broad, well-muscled, slightly tucked-up croup.
• Foundation: Correct, ground covering gaits with good drive from the hindquarters in the movement sequence.
• Size: 144-152 cm.
• Colors: Foxes in various shades, light longhair; markings on the legs are undesirable.

These criteria ensure a horse that is suitable for both leisure and sporting activities and always remains efficient.

Austrian breeding goals

The Austrian breeding objectives are more detailed and set special standards in order to preserve the original character and robustness of the Haflinger:

• Foreign gene content: Maximum 1.56 % purebred Arabian share, calculated over the last 6 generations. This percentage is precisely calculated and documented.
• Head: Noble head with broad forehead, large, expressive eyes, gently curved nose line and well developed freedom of the ganache.
• Neck: Attractively shaped, of sufficient length and with a harmonious bend in the neck.
• Forequarters: Strongly muscled, elongated shoulders, prominent withers and sufficient width in the chest region.
• Metacarpus: Long and deep, with a taut, elastic back. The ribcage is longitudinal oval and the hind rib is sufficiently long.
• Hindquarters: Well muscled, adequate length, not excessively broad or strongly split.
• Foundation: Solid and correctly built, with well developed joints and resistant hooves.
• Movement: Harmonious and flowing, with a steady walk, elastic trot movements and a well-developed canter. In all basic gaits with a sure beat and correct posture.
• Colors: From light to dark in various chestnut colors, preferably with clear, rich coloring. Teasing and eel marks are undesirable. Head markings are accepted, but leg markings are not.
• Longhair: Ideally light or white; slightly reddish longhair is tolerated, while red, grayish or gray longhair is undesirable.
• Breed characteristics: Versatile horse with an expressive character, suitable for riding and driving. Good fertility, robust health and frugality are also important criteria.

Summary of the breeding objectives

The breeding goals in Germany and Austria combine functionality, elegance and character. They lay the foundation for the Haflinger's versatility - whether as a sport, leisure or therapy horse. The clear definition of these characteristics ensures that Haflingers will retain their special place in horse breeding in the future.

Famous Haflinger breeding stallions 

All modern Haflingers are descended from just seven influential stallions. The seven ancestral sire lines that formed in the 1920s are A, B, M, N, S, St, and W. Haflinger breeders sometimes refer to their horses by their sire's line, then the breeder's website or the Haflinger's sales page will say, for example, XY descends from an A-line stallion, out of an N-line mare. But which stallions created these lines? Which stallions were the founders of their line?

Founder of the A-line: 999 Anselmo

Born in 1926, 6th generation Haflinger

Although the A-line is considered one of the most important stallion lines in Haflinger breeding today, Anselmo was not used for breeding for a large part of his life. When a shortage of stallions after the Second World War raised concerns that the line would not survive, he was purchased by the Haflinger Breeders' Association of Tyrol in 1947 at the age of 21 to cover mares from valuable maternal lines. Ultimately, he sired eight stallions, four of which were used for breeding.

Founder of the B-Line: Bolzano

Born in 1915, 5th generation Haflinger

When South Tyrol separated from Austria, Bolzano remained one of the few Haflinger stallions there, and as no quality line breeding was practiced in South Tyrol, the line was almost lost. The Haflinger Züchtervereinigung Tirol saved the line with the purchase of his grandson, Bolzano, in 1965, and has since tried to build up the strength of the B-line.

Founder of the M-Line: Massimo

Born in 1927, in the 7th generation of Haflingers

Massimo had a great influence on the breed with his six sons, including Midas in 1262, but over time he became known for producing outstanding daughters.

Founder of the N-Line: Nibbio 

Born in 1920, 6th generation Haflinger

One of the strongest stallion lines today, Nibbio is known for producing outstanding quality along the N-line. His line split into two branches: Naz in Germany and Austria and Nautilus in Italy.

Founder of the S-Line: Stelvio

Born in 1923, 6th generation Haflinger

Another less populated and relatively weak line, Stelvio's S-line has resulted in individually successful horses, but none of outstanding importance. The Haflinger Breeders' Association Tyrol has also tried to strengthen this line through targeted breeding.

Founder of the St-Line: Student

Born in 1927, 6th generation Haflinger

Student spread the St line throughout the world, particularly through his son Stromer. Initially fertile, the line weakened in the following generations, although targeted breeding has recently shown an improvement in the line.

Founder of the W-Line: Willi

Born in 1921, 5th generation Haflinger

Although dominant today, Willi's W line was almost lost. He sired far more daughters than sons, of which only four were kept for breeding. Of these, one died after minimal breeding, one was placed in an area with poor-quality mares, and one (Willi I) was exported to Syria. Although Willi's line was continued by his grandson Wieland, Wieland's dam was not registered and therefore he was avoided. Willi's fourth son, Wardein, was purchased late in life at the age of 20 to save the line. Much like Anselmo, he became incredibly influential.

Feeding, health and keeping of Haflingers

Feeding requirements for Haflinger horses

Similar to Icelandic horses Haflingers are very good feed converters and can make do with very little and sparse feed. It is very important to consider the following when feeding Haflingers:

• A sufficient quantity of high-quality hay should be available and form the basis of Haflinger feeding. Nets/slow feeders can also be used to ensure a slow but steady intake of hay.
• Mineral feed should also be fed, preferably in consultation with the vet or a feed consultant.
• Concentrated feed should only be given in small quantities, as Haflingers tend to be overweight.

Special health requirements or problems with Haflingers

A healthy Haflinger can generally have a life expectancy of 30 to 35 years. Like all horse breeds, Haflingers are also prone to certain diseases, such as laminitis dental problems, sweet itch and metabolic disorders. These diseases can be caused by a genetic predisposition or by poor nutrition, which leads to an increased risk of obesity.

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)

The equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a metabolic disease which can affect any horse. However, light-fed ponies or small horses such as Haflingers are particularly susceptible. One possible cause of this disease can be severe obesity in horses. Symptoms can include loss of performance, dull coat, excessive and rapid sweating, and laminitis. laminitis belong.

Laminitis

Laminitis is an inflammation of the hoof corium that leads to severe hoof pain can lead to severe hoof pain. The causes of laminitis can be many and varied, including excessive strain on the hooves, feeding too much protein and carbohydrates, obesity, poisoning, or diseases such as Cushing's syndrome or equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Housing for Haflinger horses

There is a huge choice of housing types, whether a box, with or without paddock, box housing with daily access to pasture, group housing, active stables, open stables, or Paddock Paradise housing systems. However, each horse should be regarded as an individual, regardless of the breed. When keeping horses, whether Haflinger, Trakehner, or English thoroughbred, it is important to keep them in a species-appropriate horse keeping Whether an active stable or a box with sufficient access to pasture comes into question varies from horse to horse and must be decided individually.

Haflinger: Summarized

Haflingers are one of the most versatile and popular horse breeds in the world. Their origins in the Alpine regions of Austria and Italy make them a traditional breed that impresses with its robust nature as well as its elegant appearance.

From their original role as working horses in the mountains to their current importance as sport and leisure horses, Haflingers have developed continuously. They impress with their strength, endurance and balanced temperament. These characteristics make them ideal for a wide variety of uses, whether in dressage, show jumping, driving or as a reliable family horse.

Thanks to clearly defined breeding objectives in Germany and Austria, Haflingers have not only become larger and more elegant, but also more versatile. Their characteristic features - the golden coat, light-colored mane and muscular build - have made them a symbol of strength and beauty. The noble blood Haflinger, as a modern development, combines this tradition with additional elegance and expansive movement.

In addition to their attractive appearance, Haflingers are also known for their excellent character. They are sensitive, willing to work and child-friendly, but at the same time independent enough to challenge even experienced riders. This mixture of strong nerves and versatility makes them ideal partners for beginners, athletes and families.

Haflingers have not only found a firm place in horse breeding, but also in the hearts of their owners. Their combination of robustness, elegance and willingness to perform makes them an exceptional breed that proves itself both in the stable and on the show ring.

In short:

Haflingers are true all-rounders that combine tradition and modernity in a unique way. They stand for elegance, versatility and a special character - qualities that make them one of the most sought-after horse breeds in the world. Whether in sport, leisure or therapy, a Haflinger is always an excellent choice.

Haflinger: The most important questions and answers

How expensive are Haflinger horses?

The price of a Haflinger varies according to age, pedigree and suitability, but it can generally be said that the average price usually starts at € 3,000 and can rise further.

Is a Haflinger a good beginner horse?

Yes, Haflingers can be great family horses and often get on well with children. However, Haflingers can also be very stubborn and therefore you should not leave your small children unsupervised with them. Due to their calmness, some Haflingers are also suitable for beginners, but this does not mean that an experienced rider cannot handle a Haflinger. If you are considering a Haflinger as your first own horse to buy?

How much weight can a Haflinger pull?

Depending on its own weight and training condition, the Haflinger can pull 500 kg of weight. It is important to note that the pulling weight does not correspond to the weight that the Haflinger can carry on its back. It is generally assumed that ponies and small horses can pull (not carry) one to two times their body weight.

How old do Haflinger horses get?

Haflinger horses are known for their robust health and longevity. On average, Haflingers live to be 25 to 30 years old, although some can even reach an age of over 35 years under optimal conditions.

Factors that influence life expectancy:

1. Genetics:
   • Haflingers are one of the more robust horse breeds, which gives them a natural longevity.
2. Feeding and nutrition:
   • A balanced diet with high-quality hay, mineral feed and limited concentrated feed contributes significantly to health and longevity.
   • Excess weight should be avoided as it can lead to metabolic problems such as laminitis or equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).
3. Posture:
   • Species-appropriate husbandry, such as open stables or active stables, with plenty of exercise promotes physical fitness.
   • Clean and well-maintained housing conditions prevent illnesses such as respiratory problems or hoof diseases.
4. Care and veterinary care:
   • Regular vaccinations, worming and dental care are crucial.
   • Early detection and treatment of diseases such as laminitis or sweet itch can prolong the life of a Haflinger.
5. Utilization and load:
   • Haflingers that are overloaded at a young age can develop health problems in old age. Age-appropriate and varied use helps to maintain their health.

Haflinger horses and their later years:

Thanks to their robust constitution and good-natured character, older Haflingers often remain active for a long time. Many of them are still used as leisure or therapy horses in old age, as they retain a balanced temperament.

With good care and species-appropriate husbandry, Haflingers can lead a long and healthy life that will delight their owners for decades.