I was bought a haflinger mare as my first riding horse and I have never looked back, they have easily become my favourite breed. They are a very underrated breed, and I feel they deserve far more credit than the receive! They are not too pricey to buy, and usually range inbetween £1800-3500 for a ridden haflinger, although obviously there are horses that are cheaper or more expensive than this.

The Breed History:
Haflingers are native to Austria where they are mainly used for farm work and sometimes milk production for human consumption. They also are used for riding, but because they have always been used for so many different uses, it makes them a versatile breed to this very day. Haflingers have arab blood in them, which is not only apparent in the wide faces with a pretty dish, but also the high spirit and the elegance of which they carry themselves with. They were first imported to England in the 60s and have become quite a common sight in this country in the last few years.

The Breed type:
Haflingers usually range between 13.2hh-14.2hh and always come in chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, although the shade of chestnut can vary. They are quite heavy set and have very wide and pretty heads, the mares should look more feminine than the stallions. They usually have good strong hooves and are very often comfortable to be barefoot. They are a very beautiful breed and look like the pony you always wanted as a child with their long flaxen mane and tail blowing in the wind as they gallop around the field!

The temperament:
Many people have the idea that Haflingers are all bad mannered, bargey, hot headed and basically not very nice but they are so wrong. Our mare used to take advantage when she came and pull me all over, but now I can lead her with just a rope around her neck and she will lead like an angel alongside me, if she is giddy she will just jog but never pull. They are very friendly and cheeky, they become your best friend if you allow them too. They are very willing to please once you have built up a bond with them, and will look after a rider they care about. They are very solid and don't tend to be spooky very often.

Overall Haflinger:
Although mainly used for hacking and trekking, they can really turn their hooves to anything, and can be seen out competing at dressage, show jumping and even cross country. They would probably be good at Le Trec because they are very brave and willing. They can be trained to a fairly high level as they are so eager to please. Although they can sometimes require an experienced handler to keep them in check, they really are family ponies and will thrive on attention.