A bit of Haflinger History

    THEIR ORIGIN IN AUSTRIA

The history of the Haflinger horse can be traced to medieval times when writings told of an Oriental race of horse found in the Southern Tyrolean Mountains of present day Austria and northern Italy. Many of the villages and farms in the Tyrol were accessible only by narrow paths requiring agile and surefooted horses for transportation and packing. Artwork from the region from the early 1800's depict a small noble chestnut horse with packs and riders traversing steep mountain trails.

The first official documentation of the present day Haflinger (named for the Tyrolean village of Hafling) was in 1874 when the foundation stallion 249 Folie was born of the half-Arab stallion 133 El' Bedavi XXII crossed with a refined native Tyrolean mare. All modern purebred Haflingers must trace their ancestry directly to Folie through seven different stallion lines: A, B, M, N, S, ST, and W. 

The specialness of the Haflinger lies, of course, in its unique golden chestnut coloring with the long flowing white mane and tail. But more unique is the people-loving, willing and forgiving temperament that was established over centuries of living alongside and working with the mountain peasants, serving all purposes for all family members. Haflingers very simply became part of the family.

 The modern Haflinger is now found all over the world, active in such varied uses as draft work, packing, light harness and combined driving, western and trail riding, endurance riding, dressage and jumping, vaulting and therapeutic riding programs. Haflingers hold their own in competition with other breeds, often showing surprising athleticism and strength for their size. 

Haflingers are being discovered by the horse loving public who want an equine companion that is safe, versatile, dependable and beautiful. The Haflinger horse captures hearts and enriches lives, as it has for centuries.

     COMING TO THE UNITED STATES

The first Haflinger horses arrived in the United States in 1958.  They were imported by Tempel Smith, owner of Tempel Steel Mills in Chicago, IL.  The first group consisted of nine mares, one stallion and three foals.  Three additional groups were imported between 1962 and 1971.  Tempel Farm kept almost all the horses born at the farm between 1958 and 1969. Records indicate 419 Haflingers were either imported by or born at Tempel Farms.

 Certainly, all Haflinger owners today owe a great deal to the importation and breeding of Haflingers from this original owner.  Tempel Farm's influence is momentous.  The Tempel Farms operation has to be hailed not only as the first but also the most influential in spreading the Haflinger breed across North America.

    SPREADING OUT

In 1971 Tempel Farm begins to sell a few Haflingers.  They move out to buyers in a wide area, but most go to surrounding states, particularly Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio as well as to the Canadian province of Ontario.  In 1972 Walt and Betty Mosher of Northville, New York obtain Static (Colonel)  from Richard Wolf.  Walt begins a connection with the staff at Tempel Farms on July 20, 1979, that proves to be historically significant.  His first purchase is three mares.  Through the bond he forms with the personnel, Walt Mosher is able to arrange the sale of most of the remaining Tempel Farms Haflingers for Defiance Corporation. On December 29, 1980, the single sale of 58 Haflingers from Tempel Farms to Defiance Corp. owner Robert MacArthur, Pattersonville, New York, marks the end of Haflinger operations at Tempel Farms. Ten of the mares are sold to Walt Mosher and Gest A Joy Farm is in the Haflinger business big time.

 For more information on the fascinating history of Haflingers in North America contact Bea Wallace for a copy of her book Haflinger Horses in North America and the People Who Belong to Them.  Meadowlane Haflinger Press LLC, 14570 Gratiot Rd, Hemlock, MI 48626