Re: [haflingerfriends] Why Halflingers?

When I was first looking at getting my own horse - I was also debating between a Fjord or haflinger. Fjords were hard to find in my area, so I was able to first meet the haflingers. I went to Cedar Lane Farm and absolutely fell in love with the breed. I stepped out into a field of golden horses/ponies and every single one of them was curious and friendly. I never looked back since. I've met a couple Fjords since and not once have I regretted my choice to go with a Haflinger rather than a Fjord. The Fjords I have met have not been as curious or friendly. They seemed to have a "couldn't care less" attitude towards people. They were well behaved, but not actively seeking out attention, unlike the Haflingers. However - this could have just been these two horses and how they were handled. Another thing - to get fjords to have their striking looking mane you have to have a special cut done w/ the edges shorter than the middle. I'll just stick with
my haflingers' long and natural manes. :)

Since Haflingers are such "in your pocket" type of horses they can be a bit pushy if allowed to be. However, a well brought-up haflinger who was trained to respect space and has consistently been handled in that manner, will not be pushy at all. The problem is when people let them get away with it because they are so cute or whatever.

Haflingers are very intelligent and willing. I can put complete beginners up on Toby and he will just plod along like an old dead-broke horse. But if I or someone else who knows how to ride gets up on him, he is ready to go! Keeping up with QHs? HA - he is leading the pack out on the trails and usually gets back with energy to spare.

On the flip side - being so willing can also be a detriment. Sometimes their training is pushed to fast and areas are skipped because they will do what is asked of them. This can cause issues later on. I highly recommend taking your time to find the right haflinger for you. Buy from someone that you feel comfortable with and believe is honest with you. If you have any doubts of the sellers honesty - move on.

Good luck in your horse search! I really hope you will take some time and meet Haflingers in person. I think you will find yourself smitten with them.

Jessie in KY

www.jessicahaviland.com

________________________________
From: Cari Kilborn <carik@partnercom.net>
To: haflingerfriends@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, February 14, 2010 10:45:21 AM
Subject: [haflingerfriends] Why Halflingers?

I posted this once.. but I don't think I got a response. (I think the
breeding discussion was brought up.) I am looking for a "pony" to
ride. I would like either a Halflinger or Fjord. I am five foot
nothing and have MS. I'm not wheelchair bound at all, I can still walk
on my own. I just need something that is gentle and quiet on the
trails. I really am not looking for a so called "dead head", just one
that is trustworthy. What are the temperaments like with Halflingers?
Are they pushy? Are they slow, not fast enough to keep up with the QH?
Can someone tell my why they chose the Halfy compared to other "ponies"?
Thanks guys
~Cari

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