Haflinger (horse)
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For Haflinger car see Haflinger
| Haflinger | ||
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 Haflinger horse |
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| Distinguishing features: | Small horse, sturdy build, chestnut coloring | |
| Alternative names: | Avelignese | |
| Country of origin: | Austria, Italy | |
| Breed standards | ||
| American Haflinger Registry: | Stds | |
| The Haflinger Society of Great Britain: | Stds | |
| Haflinger Pferdezuchtverband Tirol: | Stds | |
The Haflinger is a breed of horse developed in Austria and northern Italy during the late 1800s. They are also called the Avelignese, from the Italian word for Hafling, which is Aveligna or Avelengo.[1] They have many uses, including light draft and harness work as well as various under-saddle disciplines such as endurance riding, dressage, equestrian vaulting and therapeutic riding programs. Haflinger horses are fairly small, always chestnut in color, with gaits that aficionados consider energetic but smooth. The breed is well-muscled, but with an elegant appearance.
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[edit] History
The Haflinger breed probably descends from horses brought to Rome by Goths around 555 AD. They were originally bred in the district of Hafling in the Southern Tyrolean Mountains, near Merano in Italy. Artwork from the early 1800s shows small chestnut horses working in the mountainous area, which was originally part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but was ceded to Italy after World War I. [2]
The modern Haflinger breed traces its origins to 1874 when the foundation stallion, 249 Folie, was born. He was the result of a cross between the half-Arabian 133 El' Bedavi XXII and a native Tyrolean mare of refined type. All Haflingers today must trace their ancestry to Folie through one of seven stallion lines (A, B, M, N, S, ST, and W) to be considered a purebred. During World War II the breed was bred to produce shorter, draftier horses for use as packhorses by the military. After the war, an emphasis was placed on refinement and height, and horses were bred to be versatile enough for many under-saddle disciplines, but still solid enough for draft and driving work. [3]
The modern Haflinger is now found all over the world, although the majority of breeding stock still comes from Austria, where state studs own the stallions and carefully maintain the quality of the breed. [4] There are breeding farms located in the United States, Canada, Germany, Holland, and England.[5]
[edit] Breed Characteristics
Haflingers are always chestnut in color, and come in shades ranging from a light gold to a rich golden chestnut or liver hue. The mane and tail are white or flaxen. They range in height from 13.2 to 15 hands high, although they may be taller if all other characteristics are correct.
The breed has a refined head and light poll. The neck is of medium length, slimmer toward the head, the withers are pronounced, the shoulders sloping, and the chest deep. The back is medium long and muscular, the croup long, slightly sloping and well-muscled. The legs are clean, with broad, flat knees and powerful hocks, with clear definition of tendons and ligaments.[6]
The Haflinger has rhythmic gaits that cover large amounts of ground. The walk is relaxed but energetic. The trot and canter are elastic, energetic, and athletic with a natural tendency to be off the forehand and balanced. There is some knee action, and the canter has a very distinct motion forwards and upwards.[4]
[edit] Uses
The Haflinger was originally developed to work in the mountainous regions of its native countries, where it was used as a mountain pack horse and for forestry and agricultural work.[2] Today the breed is used in many activities that include draft and pack work, light harness and combined driving, and many under-saddle events. In riding, they cover the disciplines, appearing in western show classes, trail and endurance riding, dressage, show jumping, vaulting, and therapeutic riding programs. They are used extensively as dressage horses for children, although they are also strong enough to carry adults, despite their small size.[4]
[edit] Breed Organizations
Breed organizations exist in many countries to provide accurate documentation of Haflinger pedigrees and ownership, and also to promote the Haflinger breed. Most are linked to each other through membership in the World Haflinger Federation (WHF). The WHF establishes international breeding guidelines, objectives and rules for proficiency examinations and aptitude tests. They also authorize European and World Shows and compiles an annual list of Haflinger experts, or adjudicators. It is the international umbrella organization, with 22 member organization in 18 countries. Membership organizations include the Haflinger Horse Society of Australia, the Australian Haflinger Horse Breeders Association, the Canadian Haflinger Association, the Haflinger Pferdezuchtverband Tirol (Tyrolean Haflinger Breeding Association) and the American Haflinger Registry, as well as a division for breeders in countries that are not already members.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ "The Haflinger Horse in its Country of Origin". Haflinger Horse Italy. Referenced January 26, 2008.
- ^ a b "Haflinger". Cowboy Frank. Referenced January 26, 2008.
- ^ "Breed History". American Haflinger Registry. Referenced January 26, 2008.
- ^ a b c "Haflinger". International Museum of the Horse. Referenced January 26, 2008.
- ^ "Haflinger". Oklahoma State University. Referenced January 26, 2008.
- ^ "Inspection & Classification Breeding Objectives for the American Haflinger Registry". American Haflinger Registry. Referenced January 26, 2008.
- ^ "World Haflinger Federation". Haflinger Pferdezuchtverband Tirol. Referenced January 26, 2008.
[edit] External links
- Tyrolean Haflinger Breeding Association
- American Haflinger Registry (AHR)
- Haflinger Society of Great Britain
- Canadian Haflinger Association
- Haflinger Horses Community
- Australian Haflinger Horse Breeders Association
- Haflinger Horse Association New Zealand
- The Haflinger Horse - Extensive history of the breed
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