By Jayna Pellett
The hardworking Haflinger! We are celebrating these horses as our March Breed of the Month. Bred for versatility and working under challenging conditions, Haflingers are skilled athletes with larger-than-life personalities.
Did you know that riders who choose a Haflinger as their dressage mount are eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program, as the American Haflinger Registry (AHR) is a participating organization?
Curated by years of strategic breeding practices, the Haflinger is known for its distinct look, good-natured personality, and all-around talent. This breed’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, with theories suggesting that their ancestors were abandoned in Tyrol (a West Austrian state bordering Northern Italy) by ancient armies fleeing Byzantine troops; thus, the small gene pool, secluded by mountainous terrain, resulted in a relatively fixed physical type. Still, breed records before the 19th century remain somewhat unknown.
19th Century
In 1874, a refined-type Tyrolean mare covered by El’ Bedavi XXII, a half-Arabian stallion, gave birth to 249 Folie, who would become the first recognized Haflinger and foundation sire for the entire breed. To be considered purebred, all Haflingers must trace their lineage to Folie through one of seven identified sire lines (named for their respective stallion): A, B, M, N, S, ST, W.
FUN FACT: In 1969, Austria presented two Haflinger mares to Queen Elizabeth II, a known horse enthusiast, on her official visit to the country.
After Folie was born, Austrian breeders became increasingly interested in Haflingers (named after the village of Hafling in Tyrol). They began lobbying for government support to establish the breed further. In 1899, the Austrian government responded by issuing subsidies to owners of high-quality Haflinger mares, and breeders formed the first cooperative in 1904, kickstarting the emphasis on breeding for purity and quality.
20th Century
Like many horse breeds, the events of World War I and II decreased populations significantly; international unrest put a financial hold on breeding programs, and many citizens were required to give their horses to the military. Due to their inherent ability to navigate treacherous terrain and little need for maintenance, Haflingers, in particular, showed great use as packhorses, and the current Austrian military still uses around 70 Haflinger packhorses through terrain that vehicles cannot maneuver.
Unfortunately, warfare, disease, and crossbreeding during World War II led to dire conditions for the Haflinger population. In 1946, breeders decided to refocus on producing pure Haflingers, creating a strictly closed stud book to prevent new blood from being introduced. By the end of the 1970s, breeders had successfully revived the breed, and produced on every populated continent worldwide.
The World Haflinger Federation (WHF) was formed in 1976 to maintain accurate population counts, pedigrees, and ownership. WHF has also established a registry of national organizations that must follow strict breeding guidelines, objectives, and rules. As of 2024, twenty-three associations are registered as full members with WHF in nineteen countries, including the American Haflinger Registry in the United States.
Today’s Haflinger
Haflingers are always chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail, but shades range from pale to dark liver chestnut. However, color variations, such as roaning, spots, or more than one leg marking, are considered “impurities,” and are judged negatively; additionally, horses with these impurities are strongly discouraged from breeding. Head markings are desirable, but only in moderation, and are not a prerequisite for registration. While still relatively small, the height of Haflingers has steadily increased since the end of World War II, with the current standard set between 13.2 and 15.0 hands. Although Haflingers under the minimum height requirement are not recommended for breeding, taller horses are permitted, provided they meet the other breed standards.
Today’s Use
Selective breeding for various under-saddle disciplines, in addition to draft and driving work, has made Haflinger horses strong and well-muscled, yet elegant and harmonious in their build. The breed standard calls for a refined head, sloping shoulder, and medium-long back while heavily emphasizing clean and correct legs. The resulting movement is energetic and rhythmic, with a natural tendency to lighten the forehand, qualities that make them exceptional dressage horses.
One of the more interesting characteristics assessed in Haflinger breeding stock is their personality and character, which became a part of the breed standard in the second half of the 20th century; this requirement has helped cultivate a kind, hard-working attitude, making Haflingers a popular choice for children’s ponies and therapeutic riding programs.
FUN FACT: A Haflinger mare was the first horse cloned by science (seventh species cloned overall). Born in 2003, Prometea is a clone of her mother, who also carried her to term.
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