Would a Haflinger Be a Good Choice for Me?
Thanks in advance for reading!–
I have been horse riding at least once a week ever since mid-July 2010. I first started taking Western Pleasure classes to learn the basics of riding. I knew that I wouldn’t want to stick to such a slow-pace discipline. My future goal is to get into Cross Country Jumping.
I had to switch stables for the winter because the other one doesn’t have an indoor arena to protect it from the bad weather. I did, however, get to ride once in the snow on an 18+ hand tall horse. It was awesome! I could feel the horse picking his hooves up higher; almost feeling like what I imagine dressage to be.
I’ve had about 12-14 English riding lessons now, and I really want to stick with it. It’s quite a faster discipline overall, and is mandatory to learn for jumping.
So here is what I really need the help on:
The breeds of horses/ponies I have ridden are:
- Two Paints (one of which is the 18+ hand tall horse)
- One (calm and beginner) Appaloosa
- One smaller (and calm) horse that’s almost a pony. I’m not sure on the breed…. he’s a little more than 15 hands.
- One Gaited horse/pony. Such a weird, but awesome ride!
- One (moody and nippy) pony.
- One (energetic and crazy) Haflinger. I fell in love with him!!
I love the feeling of a small, yet powerful, Haflinger. I’m almost 5’6 and I weigh about 110 lbs. I work at a stable so I do have experience around horses. But, are most of them so hyper and have a love for running fast like the one I rode? I really love bareback riding too, and I heard their conformation is perfect for that! I also heard they can be ridden all year-round, including winter. Is that true?
*However, would a Haflinger be a good horse for Cross Country?
*I know they can jump, but how high?
*How is their endurance for running through the woods?
*I understand it varies between each one, but what are your experiences with them?
*Would they be a good first horse?
*Anything I should know about caring for them?
*I’ve heard both sides about them being naughty and take advantage of new riders. Your thoughts on it?
*Are Haflingers affectionate towards their owners? I’ve been around tons of horses that get nippy and pin their ears back if you keep brushing and petting them. Do they like just "goofing-off" and running crazy with their owners in the paddock? I dream of a horse that runs and follows you.
*Are mares not a good choice since some say they are moody? Which is better for a first horse: mare or gelding?
*Are they easy to train? Could I train them, the basics, by myself?
*Lastly, how much should a good Haflinger cost on the Mid-East/East side of the U.S.?
-x-
If a Haflinger isn’t a good choice for me, what breed is?
Sorry for the long post, by the way! 
Thanks again.
No, most of them are NOT hyper, although the majority are calm during summer and hyper during winter. They are generally very calm, although you always have to judge on the individual. Some of them love to run like the one you know, and there are also ones that are extremelyyy lazy.
Their conformation IS perfect for bareback riding, if you get the drafty type. Some lines are being refined into more of a slimmer "sport horse" but the drafty type can hold their own in the sport world as well.
Yes, they can be ridden all-year round. They LOVE the cold weather, they are bred for it. When it’s snowing and freezing my Haflinger is at his happiest.
A lot of Haflingers excel at Cross-Country, yes. Again you have to check the individual.
The highest recorded Haflinger jump is over five feet.
Their endurance is AMAZING. Arabians dominate endurance, and Haflingers have a lot of Arab blood in them. I have yet to tire my Haflinger out, and i’ve tried pretty hard. They are energizer bunnies!
I own one, so obviously I adore them
They’re my favorite breed. There are four at the farm I board at, all of which are incredibly sweet and multi- talented. Mine alone can do Western, English, Jumping, Dressage, AND pull a cart. He is only 9 and spent 7 years of his life sitting in a pasture… so they are SMART. They learn fast and they like to have a job. Most of them will try to take advantage of you, but once you establish you are the boss they will work their heart out for you. They’re incredibly sturdy and 90% don’t need shoes. They don’t get sick easily and can stand almost any weather without blankets or anything. You need to realize though, that these are the good Haflingers. There are a bunch of Haflingers with terrible temperaments and everything, just like every other breed. So you do need to do some research, but I guarantee they are worth it. I recommend finding a trainer familiar with them to help you shop for one 
They would be an excellent first horse, they are one of the top breeds recognized for therapy work actually.
They get fat on air… you’ll have to work out a diet and exercise plan for sure. They are STRONG. Some WILL take advantage of that, but do not run out and get a harsher bit or anything. That will not help. You need their respect and you need to out-smart them. Again, it’s worth it and not all of them will pull that stunt.
Depends on the horse. I know Haflingers that are push button ponies used in therapy, and the one I own got fired as a lesson horse for out-smarting the kids and doing whatever he wanted. This is the pony side of them LOL
I love it personally, but yes they will take advantage… not all of them though. Again, it’s the individual.
This is going to sound weird but do NOT coddle them… they hate it. They WILL be affectionate and bond with you, but only if you boss them around. Not whip them or anything, just set rules and do not let them get away with anything… in a while they will love you for it, and you can brush and pet them into oblivion
Once you win them over you have a friend for life. They have huge hearts and will do anything for the people they love. Mine will run up in the pasture and follow me around… unless there is a piece of grass just begging to be eaten 
Majority will say geldings. They’re generally more even-tempered. I personally love them both, mares get a bad reputation. Sure they will go into heat but not all mares lose their heads during that time. AGAIN..you’re probably sick of hearing it… the individual
If you know what you are doing and give clear signals they learn faster than any other breed I know.
I really don’t know… i’d guess at least 2,500 but I could way off.
Sorry for my long post in which I bragged about my own horse LOL.
Haflingers are amazing in my opinion, but they aren’t for everybody. Just go and see a bunch and see if you work well with them and good luck
I ride a haflinger and I’ve done some jumping with her. She’s about 18 years old. If not younger and she is very lazy and stubborn. Of course, that doesn’t mean any other haflinger will be. The best thing to do is find one your interested in, ride it, and then decide if you think that’s the horse for you or not.
Here is a picture of her:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleyandchance/5478248096/
You should look for a horse with the temperament and training you need, regardless of breed. However, I think a Haflinger would be a great choice. Not every Haflinger will meet your needs. Some are stubborn, some are hyper, some are calm, some are saintly. It’s just like any breed- you need to treat them as individuals. However, Haflingers are known for having calm dispositions. And no breed has perfect conformation, but Haflingers tend to be very sturdy and compact. They tend to have broad backs and low withers, perfect for bareback riding.
There tend to be 2 types of Haflingers on the market today. The typical Halfinger is a smallish draft horse with their pretty Haflinger coloring. These tend to have more of the draft horse temperament, calm and quiet but sometimes stubborn. The more modern breeders are breeding more for the sporthorse types. Haflingers from sporthorse lines are less drafty and more athletic. They tend to make very nice dressage, jumping, and eventing horses. The one who boarded at my farm was an exceptional jumper and showed great potential for cross country. He scored very high in dressage too. His owner was a young boy and they were a perfect match. I loved that little Haflinger! But he was an expensive horse too. Your average Haflinger is not as sporty or athletic. Like any breed, you get what you pay for.
Also, in general geldings are more steady and even-tempered, while mares can be moody. But don’t rule out getting a mare. Many mares are wonderful! Again, look at the individual. And enlist the help of your trainer/instructor when you begin looking at horses to buy.
well you have lots of questions! you will definitely need to do some research before buying a haflinger.
i found a couple pages all about haflingers and you can read about them and their personalities, and decide if a haflinger is right for you!
but for the record, Haflinger horses aren’t always small. yeah, they are mostly small and stocky built, but some can be rather large! see?
http://www.horsemanmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/haflinger-horses.jpg
http://jennerroseranch.webs.com/Jen%20on%20Rosie%20Belly.jpg
http://www.hopefulfarms.net/Ashly.JPG
http://www.haflingerhorse.com/assets/breed_standard.jpg
hope i helped!
Happy Trails!
First of all, you are a long way from being ready for a horse of your own. You’ve been riding once a week for six months, which is next to nothing. I suggest you continue lessons for a few years and then lease a horse before you even think about buying.
Haflingers are good at jumping and cross country, especially when crossed with thoroughbreds for speed. I’ve met some nasty haflingers, and a some nice ones. THey are energetic and mischivous and sometimes take advantage of inexperienced riders. As for caring for them, everything that goes into caring for any other type of horse. Some are sweet, some are mean, just like any other breed. As for mares versus geldings, the horse’s personality and suitability to your needs are way more important than breed, color, or gender. Mares can be crabby, but so can geldings, just like people. Training is definitely a no for you. A green horse plus a green rider equals a ruined horse and a terrified rider. Price depends on the horse.
Like I said, I don’t think you are ready for a horse. Lessons and leasing first. I think that a quarter horse would be perfect for you. Contrary to popular belief, they are not just a western horse. They are good jumpers and have the stamina to run a cross country course. THey are willing, sweet natured, athletic, calm or spirited, and can excell in any discipline. They are a perfect beginner’s horse.
Wow. I’ve never heard of an 18 plus hh paint…
hey, honestly, i dont think breeds matter that much. There are some exceptions, like TBs, and arabians tend to be a little hotter, and say a clyde or percheron might be a little gentler and calmer, but all horses are different!
id say, just look for a horse that suits your needs. If you have your heart set on a halfinger, than try looking for one that has the right temperment, personality, needs, and training, that suit your experience and needs.
Make sure you test out any new horse your looking at – dont just buy one cause hes pretty.
Haflingers tend to be smaller and stockier, so if you want to do higher level eventing or jumping, they may not be the best choice, although yes, there are lots that have the potential, they are not typically as well suited as say a TB, or warmblood.
Ive heard of some haflingers being pretty hard to train or stubborn, but honestly, i think it all depends on your experience, and treatment.
You should probobly get some help in training any horse, im not saying you cant do it on your own, but a coach or riding instructor, or any knowlagable person can really help you out!
Personally i prefer geldings, as yeah mares can get moody. But again it all depends on the horse.
though with mares, I find it a little awkard or at least annoying when they are in season, especially if they are the flirty types..
If you are really into crosscountry, maybe look into a draft cross? like a clyde/ tb cross? They are usually really good at that.
If your more of a backyard owner/rider, and dont plan on competeing or riding at higher levels, it doesnt really matter.
One thing I will say, is that you really shouldnt be looking into getting a horse when youve only had so few lessons. it takes decades to learn horses, and become a good equestrian.
Im not saying wait that long haha, but at least give yourself a year, I know way to many people that get into horses, buy them, then decide its not for them a year later, or even years later, and the poor horse gets ignored or sold off.
Definatly have a good riding instructor, and at least have them come look at horses with you to see if they are a good match for you, and suggest you buy a horse who is already trained, who can teach you and develop your riding, and who you can trust and fall in love with
good luck!!