I've always loved palomino coloring, so Haflingers are like a European palomino. Who wouldn't like a handsome blond Austrian hunk of horse? There are lots of them in the dressage ring these days. I've always felt their gaits were pretty unique -- powerful with a lot of knee action, and sometimes just a little quick. From the smidgen I know of their history, that quick sure-footedness was part of their value as a mountain horse -- they originated in the Southern Tyrolean Mountains of Alps (present day Austria, Northern Italy). The first Haflinger was registered in 1874 in Hafling, Austria.
Well, take a look at Natiello, an outstanding Haflinger stallion -- he has a bit more fluidity and lightness than some I've seen here in the States, so there's a double whammy of color and movement!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Haflingers in the dressage ring
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I LOVE ponies in dressage! I'm fairly small at 5'4" and 105lbs and I find myself intimidated riding the large bodied - large moving horses. It's like riding a run-away train for me, I feel like I have no control, no matter how well the horse is trained.
ReplyDeleteBut when I ride anything under 16 hands I feel more confident and more able to ride the stride. But Ponies are my love as they have attitude which (if used correctly) can make them truly sparkle in the ring. I'd much rather ride a horse I feel comfortable on, than get great scores riding a horse who's size and stride intimidate me!
That's a beautiful guy and a fun looking ride! Thanks for sharing!
what a gorgeous pony! He has some movement in him!
ReplyDeleteWe have one in our barn now. It's certainly a very different body-type even compared to a lot of the draft-crosses that are popular hereabouts. I'll let you know how the dressage training goes with our guy!
ReplyDeleteI am totally biased, but I think pound for pound and dollar for dollar haflingers give you a lot of bang for your buck. They make great dressage mounts, in addition to often being great trail horses and family horses. Not only that but they are very sound, sturdy healthy horses, who are easy keepers! They are also pretty flashy if I do say so myself :)
ReplyDeleteJust an aside...Haflingers may appear palomino, but they are always chestnut. They have the flaxen gene, and sometimes pangare, but not the cream gene that creates true Palomino. :)
ReplyDeleteI know two people with Halflingers and both tell me their horses have wonderful dispositions. There is a lot to be said for a good attitude attached to a beautiful body.
ReplyDeleteThis guy is a stunner!
I am totally inspired....
ReplyDeleteI could watch Haflingers move all day. Oh wait a minute I already do!!! I'm a tad predjudice regarding them. Very multi talented horses as well, one just came in second in Extreme Cowboy Race. Thanx for posting that.
ReplyDeleteOh, how wonderful! He was so relaxed through the ride and looked like he was having such fun. Of course, I am a bit biased, having two of my own. Some day maybe they'll move a bit more like this!
ReplyDeleteyou should also check out guusje on YT, he's a fjord wwho does dressage and he's just gorgeous. my fave!
ReplyDeletePonies are the greatest! People don't appreciate them enough. I'd say pound for pound, any pony gives a lot of bang for the buck. It's too bad so many people just view them as a kids stepping stone to a bigger horse.
ReplyDeleteI have a bit of a grudge against all haflingers. When I was younger, I rode a schooling pony for two months who was the FATTEST and the LAZIEST thing ever. He would just stop, and refuse to move. Kick, whip, spur, made no difference. If he was going nice and forward, he'd randomly bolt. However, by the end of my time riding him, I could predict every stop and bolt, so it ended well I suppose. Still, he totally ruined haflingers for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks spazfilly, Thanks for the info--didn't know the genetics of palominos. I know the coloration of haflingers varies -- some of them do look sort of palomino-colored, that ideal copper pennied. I think i just love flaxen manes, I also love liver chestnuts.
ReplyDeleteLovely horse! He looks very much like Harry, the 14 hand Haflinger stallion, which I had the pleasure of riding and showing years ago. I had not ridden a stallion before or since, but he was a great riding opportunity. Dressage, jumping, competitive driving, he could do them all and with style. I rode tall horses for years before him and I had to lift weights to ride them well. His size fit me and it opened my eyes to the benefits of a proportional mount and rider.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome boy! Afraid I'm way over the height limit for a Haflinger, I'd probably look like I was sitting on a tricycle *grin*. They sure do seem to be a terrific breed though :o)
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kate's story: sounds like someone ruined humans forever for that poor pony!
ReplyDeleteI am really fascinated by the "Haflinger phenomenon" that seems to be sweeping the US. When did this happen? The only reason I'd even heard of the breed up until a couple years ago was from reading "White Stallion of Lipizza." The boy goes to visit his uncle in the Austrian mountains and is happy to see Uncle's Halfy, and there's a beautiful illustration by Wesley Dennis of the Halfy pulling a cart. So what suddenly caused Halfies to be the "breed du jour" here in the US?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am also a "pony girl" myself. At 5'6" I definitely take a large, but I adored my last school horse pony mount and we did great together. Right now I'm riding a 17hh WB, and I love him, too, but when it comes time to get my own horse I think s/he will be on the shorter side! :-)
He actually looks a lot like the haflingers a friend breeds. There are two types the drafty ones and the lighter sport horse style. Pretty much all of their haflingers are trained in dressage, jumping, cc, and to drive. Plus they have started breeding for German Sport Ponies. Anyone that wants an awesome haflinger should check out Happy Haflingers in WI.
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