Fjords and Haflingers - where can I find either?

[Tiddlypom]

My late godparents used to breed Haflingers in the 70s.

The Hafs were pretty but also very ornery and bolshy temperament wise.

 

[paddy555]

My late godparents used to breed Haflingers in the 70s.

The Hafs were pretty but also very ornery and bolshy temperament wise.

the haflingers at that time were smaller and chunkier. I think like all similar sized ponies they took advantage if at all possible.
The more modern ones I found were the same but bigger in size and certainly with a lot bigger brain. So the problem got bigger as well!!

that's a beautiful mare, Northern.

 

[Northern]

the haflingers at that time were smaller and chunkier. I think like all similar sized ponies they took advantage if at all possible.
The more modern ones I found were the same but bigger in size and certainly with a lot bigger brain. So the problem got bigger as well!!

that's a beautiful mare, Northern.

Thanks! I love her, but I also knew what I may be getting myself into. She's required a bit of a different approach to my TBs previously, but has been worth it
Mine is a bit of an old-new hybrid, she's from two imported parents. Aus breeders are now catching onto the taller, lighter and more modern Haffys.

Make sure you have a tame saddle fitter lined up who has the right saddles, and experience/skills, to fit a saddle to them too, not the easiest on the whole.

From my experience fitting them I'd not recommend them as a first horse.

Funny you say that, my saddle fitter has said the same thing to me! She has fitted a few around (including my mares offspring, small world) and has noticed their general demeanour and rideability weren't amazing. I do think a lot of that comes down to the owner/rider though.

 

[Prancerpoos]

my haffie was great fun, but I definitely would not recommend them to a first time owner. Very strong, very opinionated and very intelligent - not a great combo unless you are very confident and always ready to keep on top of any attempts to get one over on you. Which happen all the time. Very loving and sweet, but also quite capable of mowing people down, barging, napping etc etc if given an inch. ?

 

[lilly1]

My friend had a lovely fjord growing up as a kid. I rode her a few times and she was a lovely kind and genuine mare, quite suitable for a novice. As both breeds are rare here I would contact the UK breed societies for advice where to look.

 

[Surbie]

My friend has a 16yo Haffie for her kids - he's their first pony off lead-rein. He's done all pony club & fun ride stuff and is safe as houses but can also be a pocket rocket - he's worth his weight in gold.

I've ridden a few Fjords (in Norway, not here) and they are immense fun, but range from being stubborn, bargy & strong and being utter sweethearts with beautiful ground manners. That said, so do cobs and Highlands and lots of others!