The Haflinger horse is one of the most versatile breeds ever - it originates from the mountains of South Tyrol
In South Tyrol, the Halfinger horses belong to the local cultural heritage and are a true symbol for robustness and charm. The unique appearance with the blond mane and the versatility of this strong mountain horse have paved the way to become a popular leisure time horse.
Originally, the Haflinger was merely considered an animal able to keep up with the requirements of alpine warfare. In fact, the Monzoccolo, a mountain ridge between Bolzano and Merano, can be considered to be the home of this horse breed: Due to its sparse vegetation, a small and unambitious mountain horse evolved. 249 Folie, the progenitor of the horse breed, was born in 1874 on the farm of the horse breeder Josef Folie in Sluderno. The name, however, is attachable to the small village of Avelengo (Hafling, in German) near Merano. In 1898, the name "Haflinger" and the horse breed were officially approved and registered by the Austrian Department of Agriculture.
The typical Haflinger is fox-coloured, has a flax-coloured to white mane and tail, and has a withers-height of 140 to 155 cm (as defined by the World Haflinger Breeding and Sports Federation with seat in Bolzano). The nice little horse is known as versatile, good-natured, willing to work and sure-footed, and has strong nerves, making it also the ideal horse for therapeutic riding. In 2024, the Haflinger horse celebrates its 150 year anniversary: Sluderno will celebrate it with a big Haflinger Festival. Also the Haflinger Horse Adventure Trail on the high plateau of Avelengo-Verano-Merano 2000 and the Haflinger Horse Museum provide interesting details about this gentle horse.
