- Written records dating back to the Middle Ages describe small, tough mountain horses living in the Southern Alps, part of a European mountain range. These horses were used to pull wagons and carry heavy loads on their backs to isolated villages and farms of the mountain communites. They could easily climb steep, narrow mountain paths withtheir small, sure hooves. Haflingers are the result of crossbreeding these native horses with Arabian thoroughbreds. The Arabian horses were brought to the area, which is now Austria, as a result of the Crusades and wars against the Turks.
- The birth of the official Haflinger breed was declared in 1874. In 1904, the first Haflinger breeders’ association was formed. The purpose of this organization is to improve the breed. Over time, a horse with a greater variety of uses has develped. Today, Haflingers are used for riding, pulling wagons, and in farming. Although, in recent times, there has been a decrease in the number of horses thoughout Europe, the Hafliner continues to win fans worldwine. There are now over 100,000 Haflingers in existence.
- Today, the main Haflinger breeding area in Austria is in the norther Tyrol. Breeding programs have taken place there since 1900. The ideal height of the Haflinger is 54-58 inches (137-147 centimeters or 13.5 – 14.5 hands) for mares; 56-59 inches (142-150 cm or between 14 – 15 hands) for stallions. The Haflinger is bred to be a square, stocky horse. It’s legs are well muscled.
- Through crossbreeding with Arabian thoroughbreds, Haflingers were transformed from packhorses into lighter horses more suitable for riding. Since 1976, however, this particular form of crossbreeding has fallen out of favor.
- At the beginning of the twentieth century, Haflingers were limited to the Tyrol. Since 1945, this small, strong breed has become more widely known. The horses are know popular in Europe, the United States, Australia, Africa and Asia. Haflingers are regarded as particularly important in Asia, where their genes are improving the native packhorse breed.
- Haflingers are hard-working, adaptable, strong, and long lived. Because of their healthy mountain upbringing, these horses are often able to work until they are forty years old.
Haflinger Facts
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