Haflinger Pony
The
Haflinger is a breed with ancient roots which, due to its geographical
isolation, has remained very true to type. They originated around the village of
Hafling in the Etschlander Mountains of the southern Austrian Tyrol, and are now
bred widely in Bavaria and all over Europe. The breed can be traced back to
Arabian bloodlines and a variety of coldblooded
lines, a combination which makes them ideal for both riding and light draft
work.
The early roots of the Haflinger are not known, but from 1868, their history has been well documented. The prepotent Arabian stallion El Bedavi XXII, was introduced to the breed in 1868, and his son, Follie, foaled in 1874, is generally considered the breed's founded sire. Today, four of the five main bloodlines can still be traced back to El Bedavi's offspring. This very pure heritage accounts for the distinct look and characteristics of the Haflinger, which show little variation from horse to horse.
The main center of breeding for the Haflinger in Austria is the Jenesien Stud Farm where the state controls the stallions to allow careful monitoring of the breeding stock. Colts undergo a rigorous examination and only the very best are allowed to stand at stud. The Haflinger breed also enjoys great popularity in Bavaria, where it is often crossed with Arabian blood. The progeny are then bred back to Haflingers to produce a very nice, quality horse but this system is not practiced in Austria.
The Haflinger pony is a typical tough mountain breed and they are strong and sturdy, surefooted, and intelligent. They have a very biddable temperament, making them useful pack ponies, as well as excellent ponies for children and adults alike. They have an attractive head, which is heavy but not coarse, a large, kind eye, and small alert ears. They are typically short in the leg with a broad strong back and muscled quarters. They should be powerful through the shoulder and deep through the chest. They are nearly always chestnut in color, ranging from light gold to rust and have a flaxen mane and tail. The breed has been described as being a 'prince in front and a peasant behind.' They should not exceed 14 hh, and are often slightly smaller.