[haflingerfriends] Haflinger Breeders???

Hey everyone. In the past three days I have heard of two Haflinger breeders (they owned four or more mares) who are done with the Haflinger breed. One is completely finished, and the other is keeping a couple Haflingers but has purchased friesans. Even our farm, having 9 broodmares, and 6 foals last year, are now down to two foals coming and just two broodmares, we have sold or given away the others. Considering that only around 600 Haflinger foals were registered last year, as compared to at some points 2000 a year, it is to me, getting a bit scary. There aren't to many Haflinger breeders left only a handful that I know of who are still breeding. What is this breed to do? Do you think with the resulting 'shortage' of Haflingers that will be coming in the next 2-3 years, the prices will go back up? Or, are you afraid (as I am) that the breeders are getting out, but the backyard breeders will continue and the quality of the breed will suffer?
I pose this as a discussion only, I am not surprised with these breeders getting out, as we have drastically cut back from our highest number of Haflingers at 38, down to 10 Haflingers total. I am just a bit worried as to if the breeders are leaving, where it will leave our beloved Haflinger, and in who's hands?

Jacque in Ohio
Woodward Performance Haflingers
www.hfbhaflingers.com

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