Great things come in small packages and the versatile nature of these small horses quickly endears them to their owners. Having superior strength and ability, the Haflinger willingly does what it's asked whether in heavy harness for farm work or fine harness for a driving competition. Haflingers can be used for pleasure riding, jumping, dressage or as a child's mount. The use of the breed under saddle is rapidly gaining popularity as riders become aware of the long, smooth, natural gait and willing Spirit of the Haflinger.

Longevity is another trait Haflingers are well known for. They have an unusually long life span of 33-35 years, continuing to produce offspring at above 30 years of age. Haflingers are known as "easy keepers" and seem to thrive in a variety of climates and conditions. They demonstrate a quiet attitude and an amiable disposition. They are gentle in manner and possess a well-muscled physique. The overall impression is one of a small, powerful horse of unique conformation and beauty with a friendly, intelligent expression and a bearing of great vitality, nobility and eagerness.

Historically speaking, the Haflinger breed comes from Austria. It originated in the Alps in the area called the Tyrol near what today is Haning, Italy. An Arabian stallion, EI-Bedavi was used to settle a mountain mare that traced its ancestry back to the Middle Ages. Austria is recog­nized as the center of Haflinger breeding today, but owners in North America are quick to point out that they believe in this remarkable breed, and that they too figure strongly in its future.

And so the Haflinger became popular in the Great Lakes area thanks to its North American roots in Illinois. Tempel Smith of Wadsworth, Illinois, imported the first Haflingers into the United States in 1958. The Great Lakes and Northeastern regions of the U.S. support the largest population of Haflingers in America, but they are quickly spreading throughout the remaining states and Canada.