Curly and Sawyer

Haflingers…yes, this is spelled correctly! This breed of horse 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 a registered Haflinger gelding named Curly who is now 30 years old. His 1/2 brother Duke passed away about 3 years ago. They are the most endearing horse breed I’ve ever met. Duke & Curly were ½ brothers born within 2 hours of each other in Randolph, Vermont. They had never been apart. Because ours were built more the draft style than slender riding style, we didn’t use ours for riding, but had a wagon, a small sleigh & large sled they pulled. Curly is a very loving, affectionate, intelligent, horse who truly appreciates human companionship. We bought them both when they were just 2 year olds. Curly won’t be in the Livestock Barn this season due to several health issues, but he lives on the farm & enjoys his retirement with his girlfriend Sara, a 19 year old Quarter Horse.