Setco Haflingers



History of the Haflinger The haflinger was first recognised as a breed from the late 19th Century. Originating in the Tyrol region of Austria, they are named after the village of Hafling; the centre of the breed's development. The foundation sire, Folie, was foaled in 1874 and all pure lines can trace their lineage back to this stallion through one of the seven bloodlines. Bred in the harsh environment of the Tyrolean Mountains the need for strong, sure-footed horses led to the Haflinger, a breed that has strong links to the Arabian blood-line, a circumstance lending to their well-known hardiness, confirmation and appearance. Throughout history Haflingers have shown their ability to adapt to all conditions including the bitter cold of the high mountains illustrating their strength, power and durability. This was capitalised on during both World Wars, to the detriment of the breed as lower- quality, shorter and more draft-like Haflingers were bred to use as packhorses for the military. However in post-war times focus was shifted onto refinement and increased height to suit current needs and modern trends. The breed has still retained its hardy and gentle nature. The popularity of the breed has seen great increase over the centuries. As of 2005 there are around 250 000 haflingers dispersed across 20 countries around the world. History of the Haflinger in Australia The history of the Haflinger in Australia begins in 1974 when seven horses consisting of stallion Narrogal, mares Orsi, Siena, Ditha and Morena, and fillies Elflein and Gaby, were purchases and imported by the Dalgety Land Company. The breed saw further growth with the introduction of the male bloodline of stallion Admiral, imported by the Arkley Stud in 1981. Since then a relatively continuous importation and breeding of Haflingers has occurred in Australia; the growth of the breed facillitated by the introduction on semen importation in 1994. In 2007 there were over 250 registered Haflinger horses in Australia, the majority of these residing in the Hunter Valley. Haflinger Traits and Characteristics The Haflinger has highly distinctive characteristics. Standing between a desired height of 140-150 cms with a medium-long muscular back, broad knees and powerful hocks the breed is suited to a wide variety of events and disciplines including dressage, jumping, driving, packing, pony club all rounder and pleasure riding. The breed also boasts a refined head, pronounced withers, sloping shoulders and deep chest. However the breed's most well known characteristic is their unique colouring, a creamy chestnut with a thick flaxen mane and tail. The breed is also known for their generally quiet, kind and friendly temperament making them a great family horse.

History of the Haflinger

The haflinger was first recognised as a breed from the late 19th Century. Originating in the Tyrol region of Austria, they are named after the village of Hafling; the centre of the breed's development. The foundation sire, Folie, was foaled in 1874 and all pure lines can trace their lineage back to this stallion through one of the seven bloodlines.

Bred in the harsh environment of the Tyrolean Mountains the need for strong, sure-footed horses led to the Haflinger, a breed that has strong links to the Arabian blood-line, a circumstance lending to their well-known hardiness, confirmation and appearance.

Throughout history Haflingers have shown their ability to adapt to all conditions including the bitter cold of the high mountains illustrating their strength, power and durability. This was capitalised on during both World Wars, to the detriment of the breed as lower- quality, shorter and more draft-like Haflingers were bred to use as packhorses for the military.

However in post-war times focus was shifted onto refinement and increased height to suit current needs and modern trends. The breed has still retained its hardy and gentle nature.

The popularity of the breed has seen great increase over the centuries. As of 2005 there are around 250 000 haflingers dispersed across 20 countries around the world.

History of the Haflinger in Australia

The history of the Haflinger in Australia begins in 1974 when seven horses consisting of stallion Narrogal, mares Orsi, Siena, Ditha and Morena, and fillies Elflein and Gaby, were purchases and imported by the Dalgety Land Company.

The breed saw further growth with the introduction of the male bloodline of stallion Admiral, imported by the Arkley Stud in 1981. Since then a relatively continuous importation and breeding of Haflingers has occurred in Australia; the growth of the breed facillitated by the introduction on semen importation in 1994.

In 2007 there were over 250 registered Haflinger horses in Australia, the majority of these residing in the Hunter Valley.

Haflinger Traits and Characteristics

The Haflinger has highly distinctive characteristics. Standing between a desired height of 140-150 cms with a medium-long muscular back, broad knees and powerful hocks the breed is suited to a wide variety of events and disciplines including dressage, jumping, driving, packing, pony club all rounder and pleasure riding.

The breed also boasts a refined head, pronounced withers, sloping shoulders and deep chest. However the breed's most well known characteristic is their unique colouring, a creamy chestnut with a thick flaxen mane and tail.

The breed is also known for their generally quiet, kind and friendly temperament making them a great family horse.