Return to Haflinger Stories

Haflingers Bring Happiness!

by Leslie Walker, Novato, California

For eight years I have leased a pasture from an elderly woman (Edna) in her eighties. Shortly after leasing the pasture one of my horses passed away so I got another -- my rescued Haflinger, Amber.

Well, we all know about Haflingers and how much they adore food, so when Edna, or anyone else walk or drive by the pasture Amber would give a call. It wasn't long before Amber won the hearts of everyone in the neighborhood, especially Edna. Edna carried a photo of Amber with her and showed them along with photos of her grandchildren.

Since I had this lovely pasture I decided to breed Amber to Noblest of All. When I took Amber away to breed to the stallion the whole neighborhood was distressed so I put a sign on the gate "Gone breeding back when bred, Amber". When I informed Edna, now in her 90's that Amber was pregnant, all she could say was "I can hardly wait." Every day she would ask "How much longer?" Kind of like "Are we there yet mom?" Well the foal arrived March 25th, 2006 and the whole neighborhood celebrated. (They are the only horses among the Million dollar homes). Photos were taken, Edna couldn't have been more proud. She called everyone she knew to come see the baby.

Edna's daily routine was to come down the hill to see the horses and feed them. I found out in the end she was bringing them old lettuce and biscuits and on occasion a sandwich. Three weeks ago Edna went to a senior home and with her were all the photos of Amber and now 5 month old Nala which Edna fondly called LALA. Edna passed away on September 8th. The family sent Amber and Nala's photos with her. At the service the family credited Amber and Nala (Lala) with making their mother's life joyful. There were also photos at the service of Amber and Nala with Edna right next to those with her grandchildren.

I will miss her terribly but not as much and Amber and Nala will.