Haflingers show me yours and tell me everything......

P

pipstar

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 March 2010
Messages
132
Visit site
I have just found the most beautiful boy in the world! I'm so excited I could scream!!!

I have been swotting up on Haflingers on Google, but would really like to know from the horses mouth so to speak anything and everything that you guys can tell me about them.


Pictures from proud Haflinger owners also welcome.

x
 
I have a 14.3hh, 11yr old Haffy. He is the sweetest horse I have ever owned. He has the most amazing character, very willing, forward going but not strong, can be a bit flighty sometimes but as long as you are calm, he trusts you and relaxes. He is very enthusiastic about jumping...just not very good at it, bless him :D I love him to pieces. The only difficulty we have had is fitting tack. He has a full size bridle with cob cheeks so we have to mix and match a bit, plus his back is very flat, making saddle fitting a little tricky lol! Wouldn't sell him for the world though. Here are some pics:

Pretty face:
Winnie14.jpg


Being glamorous :D :
50400029.jpg


Siggs05-1.jpg


And a fluffy winter one with me (on the chestnut) and my sister (on him):
WinnieEDIT.jpg


I will say, he does need the brushing boots, in front and behind...he is very clumsy :rolleyes: If one of my animals is going to get hurt (I have a few ;)) it will be him :rolleyes:. Other than that, we get on very well :D
 
Becca

gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I know I have made the right choice now!!

I was wondering abut tack luckily he comes with some, what size numnah do you use cob or full?


x
 
I don't have a haflinger but do agree they are gorgeous. I did this painting of one a few years ago and it is still one of my favourites :D This is Hafferton Sunrise:

HaffertonSunrise-1.jpg
 
It is not so much if they will founder as when. They are VERY easy keepers, prone to laminitis, metabolic disorder or IR, and sweet itch. Be prepared to keep him in a dry lot, on low starch/sugar feed and low sugar or soaked hay and very little of it. Exercise is important. They are very friendly and curious and if not kept in check that turns into being pushy or bargy as you put it. They can be quite destructive and will walk through or push over fences, mostly trying to get something to eat. I've often said that haflinger is Austrian for "if you can't eat it, tear it up." They require a strong willed owner and will take advantage of a newbie or a wishy washy owner. They can be quite flighty but personally I think that is more of a show to get out of work or bluff an insecure handler or rider. They have a reputation for being rough at the trot and canter, like a draft horse.

They aren't my cup of tea. I care for some belonging to my dad since he is no longer able to care for them but I personally wouldn't buy one, except maybe as a team for driving.
 
Never had a haflinger, but they look so cute :p

As to the numnah, it depends on the size of the saddle - a 16.5"/17" saddle on any size of horse would still generally suit a cob size cloth whereas an 18" saddle would generally better fit a full sized numnah.

Anyway, good luck :)
 
They can be strong willed ponies, but not all. Some can be quite lazy. sounds like any other pony really.

They can be prone to over eating, but no more than any other native type. Restricted grazing/ muzzles would work well. They won't need much food, and would live out without any problems - remember they are from the italian/austrian border in the alps, which is much colder than the uk.

They are very footsure. There were two of them in the riding school that I worked in Tuscany. They would jump up and down terraces without batting an eyelid. Those two had pretty wide fitting saddles for ponies. They're cob size really.

They can be great pony club ponies. We curently have two at our branch that do everything from handy pony to show jumping teams, with great success.
 
wireweiners said:
They can be quite destructive and will walk through or push over fences, mostly trying to get something to eat.
Click to expand...

OMG yes! He has absolutely NO respect for electric fences...well, any fences actually :rolleyes: but he is not bolshy or bargy at all when being handled. And is also easier to keep weight off than my other mare. I don't give hard feed though, he is on fibre/roughage only because the slightest bit of sugar and it goes straight to his head and he becomes a crazy loon :rolleyes:

He suffered from sweet itch this year for the 1st time so has rubbed half his mane and tail out :( but its growing back fast :)

Maybe I'm biased but I just love him. Be prepared though, you will get stopped by EVERYONE you meet when hacking and they will all want to stroke the "pretty one" - my other mare is getting a complex cos no-one ever gives her any attention bless her ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top