Haflingers…yes, this is spelled correctly! This breed of horses originated in Austria & northern Italy during the late 1800’s. They are a small horse with a sturdy build that was established in the village of Hafling in the Etschlander Mountains. There is a strong Arabian influence crossed with original native Tyrolean ponies & coming from the original gene pool & mountain environment, this has resulted in a very fixed physical type & appearance.

The first Haflingers were imported to the US from Austria in 1958. They are always chestnut in color & stand somewhere between 13.2 to 15 hands high. They were originally developed to work in the mountainous regions as a pack horse & for forestry & agricultural work. Today they are used for everything from draft & light harness work to under-saddle events including western riding, endurance, dressage, show jumping, trail & therapeutic riding. They are used by both children & adults.

We have 2 registered Haflinger geldings named Duke & Curly. They are the most endearing horses I’ve ever met. They are ½ brothers & were born within 2 hours of each other in Randolph, Vermont. They have never been apart. Because ours are built more the draft style than slender riding style, we don’t use ours for riding, but have a wagon, a small sleigh & large sled they sometimes pull. We have not used them with the public yet, but may in the future. They are very loving, affectionate, intelligent, honest horses who truly appreciate human companionship. They are also extremely good eaters & it is a constant battle to keep their weight under control since they are such easy keepers!