As a long-time hunter rider, I at all times seemed for the massive horse to journey. However as I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered that it is a lengthy method to each mount and dismount a 16.2 Thoroughbred and puzzled if a smaller horse is perhaps simpler on my knees. Plus, I wished to strive different equestrian sports activities, together with driving. I seemed round for a horse to satisfy my older wants and got here throughout the Haflinger. Haflingers have been bred to be versatile sufficient for a lot of under-saddle disciplines, together with endurance using, dressage, equestrian vaulting and therapeutic using, however nonetheless strong sufficient for draft and driving work. The Haflinger was initially developed to work within the mountainous areas of its fatherland, the place it was used as a pack-horse and for forestry and agricultural work.
The historical past of the Haflinger horse traces to the Center Ages. The origins of the breed are unsure, however there one idea is that Haflingers descend from horses deserted within the Tyrolean valleys in central Europe by East Goths fleeing from Byzantine troops in 555 AD. These deserted horses are believed to have been influenced by Oriental bloodlines which can assist clarify the Arabian bodily traits seen within the Haflinger. Haflingers are at all times chestnut in colour, and are available shades starting from a lightweight gold to a wealthy golden chestnut or liver colour. The mane and tail are white or flaxen. The peak of at this time’s Haflinger has elevated from 13hh to between 13.2 and 15hh. The primary official documentation of the current day Haflinger (named for the Tyrolean village of Hafling) was in 1874 when the muse stallion 249 Folie was born of the half-Arabian stallion 133 El’ Bedavi XXII crossed with a refined native Tyrolean mare. All trendy purebred Haflingers should hint their ancestry on to Folie by seven totally different stallion traces: A, B, M, N, S, ST, and W. The top of the Haflinger is refined, with the neck is of medium size, the withers pronounced, the shoulders sloping, and the chest deep. The again is medium-long and muscular, the croup is lengthy, barely sloping and well-muscled. The legs are clear, with broad, flat knees and highly effective hocks. The Haflinger has rhythmic, ground-covering gaits. The stroll is relaxed however energetic. The trot and canter are elastic, energetic, and athletic with a pure tendency to be gentle on the forehand and balanced. There may be some knee motion, and the canter has a really distinct movement forwards and upwards. An necessary consideration in breeding and what makes the Haflinger a super horse is its temperament. A requirement for a quiet, sort nature has grow to be a part of the official breed normal and that is a part of any breed inspection. The Haflinger can be acknowledged all over the world for an additional motive. On Might 28, 2003, a Haflinger filly named Prometea turned the primary horse clone born. However for usually born Haflinger, registration is finished by the American Haflinger Registry (http://www.haflingerhorse.com). There are a lot of guidelines for registering and breeding your Haflinger, in addition to suggestions for getting your first Haflinger. If you’re searching for a horse that’s protected, versatile, clever, athletic and lengthy lived, the Haflinger is a superb selection.