THE HAFLINGER BREED
The Haflinger ranges in height from 13 hands (52 inches; 1,3 meters) to 15 hands (60 inches; 1,5 meters), weighing in at 800 to 1300 pounds (370 to 590 Kg). Haflingers are always chestnut in colour, varying in shade from blonde to dark chocolate. The manes and tails are one of the breeds most striking characteristics, being long, thick and flaxen to white in colour. A strong, arched neck supports a well shaped head that is flat or slightly dished and broad, with wide spaced eyes and small ears. The body is broad, deep and muscular with strong legs and relatively large, strong hooves and well detached tendons. The mountain horse features typically elastic and smooth movements, with a strong impulsion from the hindquarters. The walk is relaxed, energetic, and proud and cadenced. The trot and canter are elastic, energetic, athletic, and cadenced with natural self-carriage.
Due to their mountain ancestry, Haflingers are easy keepers. Haflingers do well on little or no grain and limited hay or pasture. They are extremely long lived, with mares producing foals well into their 20's and living sometimes into their 30's.
Calm and willing describes the Haflinger temperament, there is nothing "Pony-ish" about them, making them ideal mounts for children, and the disabled, also they are well up to the weight of adult riders.
Nowadays the Haflinger can be found all over the world, active in such varied uses as draft work, packing, light harness and combined driving, western and trail riding, endurance riding, dressage and jumping, vaulting and therapeutic riding programs. It is very often used in horse ridding schools, especial for beginners, being sometimes the "first" horse of many horse riders and equitation lovers.