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Are you part of the
Haflinger Friends
discussion group? Share your thoughts by sending an email to
emily@haflingerhorses.com
Why I'm part of the Haflinger Friends group
Being able to talk and share specifically with other Haflinger
owners. Hearing about other's successes. Having a group of Haflinger lovers,
when the outside world thinks they're cute but not useful.
Exchanging pertinent information about Haflingers and their
care
I enjoy the discussions about training, feeding, and everyday
fun with Haflingers. I also like the fact that it brings people with one common
interest together across miles- such a valuable resource for horse owners young
and old. I also find the "heated" discussions to bring a little life to the
list- sometimes gets those who are lurking to actually post now and then
I like the variety of people, who all love horses, and the
depth of knowledge about horses on this list. Someone always answers questions
about Haflingers, even if they've answered it before. I like lurking, like we
are eavesdropping, and I like posting, asking questions or giving my opinion. I
like the controversy that sometimes happens, makes you think.
I like the way we are able to reach out to each other, be it for
advice about a Haflinger problem or personal one. The group become an extended
family and everyone can benefit from comments presented, even those comments
that are 'heated' at times. We all have strong feelings about our Haflingers and
therefore strong feelings are with us every day.
I like the way we can all learn from one another. I like the
family feel of this list, also. I like the feeling of seeming to know someone, I
have never meant, by the emails they write. I also like the way the moderator
tries to keep things fair all around for everyone.
I look forward to the list each day. I especially enjoy hearing
about people's triumphs and failures. It is nice to hear about all aspects of
their lives, personal and equine related.
I love how active the list is! Its great to keep up with
everyones progress, I like hearing the personal stories of people and their
horses. I also like learning about the history of the breed and breeders.
I love that the members accept one another for who they are. Not
age color or gender. They all share the love of the haflinger breed.
It is my window on the world, the horsy world. I enjoy
hearing about what people do it other parts of the world with their horses. I
also like knowing information that is rather unique to haflingers, having had
much experience with other breeds.
Lots of useful information and pictures. I search the archives
frequently for answers to my questions. The list is a great resource for
Haflinger owners worldwide. I especially like to hear from Haflinger owners
outside the U.S. Their perspective is valuable.
The people and info shared. I also love scrolling through the
pictures in the photo's section. I also love the haffie stories. I also like our
debates - it livens things up.
This group has many experienced horse people on it, many of whom
have had other breeds in the past. I believe their input is invaluable to a
newcomer to either the breed, or horses themselves. It takes time to read all
the post, I am now putting most of the good info on floppies for future review
and reference. So, while it takes time to read all the emails, it also takes
time for someone to input. I appreciate those who input, and quite frankly, I
see little heated discussions or debates on this group. I've been on other
groups, for breeds of dogs, and the insults and flaming is very disgusting. On
Hafy Friends group most everyone respects the other person right to have a
different perspective or point of view. I think Emily is doing a great job at
Moderating the group, again folks, this takes a dedicated person and she gives
this group much of her time, thought, caring and sharing. I have personally
found most of the members who post to be friendly, and concerned about the breed
itself, which is very encouraging. Thank you to Emily, and everyone who posts on
this group
that it is available 24 hours a day that it is world wide ,
that anyone can join in if they are brave enough to speak up and share .
Being Part of
Haflinger Friends From the Beginning--comments of some of the original first 100
members in 1999/2000
I joined the Haflinger Friends group years ago as a way to stay informed
in the Haflinger community. The group not only taught me a lot over the
years but has also made me laugh with some incredibly funny accounts
about Haflingers, made me cry with stories of losing friends (both 4 and
2 legged) and made me think on a daily basis whether it be training
ideas, nutrition advice, or the old topics of tall and lean versus short
and fat. Although I don't post very much at all these days I still
actively read the posts and am continually impressed with the wonderful
people who are members, I suppose that shouldn't surprise me since
Haflingers themselves attract the very best.
~ Joy
It was 1999. My big (16.3hh) Anglo-Trakehner dressage horse had
hock problems and was erratic under saddle, sending me for several
unanticipated flying lessons. My confidence was at low ebb; I was even
losing the desire for riding. Moreover, my husband and I had just purchased
a vineyard property in the Sierra Foothills of California, and I wanted a
horse I could ride through the vineyards. A huge, lively dressage
mount just didn't seem the right choice. One day a friend suggested I
consider the Haflinger. I tracked down the Western Haflinger
Association and their compassionate and kind response encouraged me to
continue on this path. Before long, I had become the owner of an
8-year-old gelding named Milky Way. Thanks to Mick, my confidence
returned; I rediscovered the joy of riding; and rides through the vineyards
were pure delight. Soon after acquiring Mick, I became one of the first
members of the haflingerfriends e-list. I was not new to horse
ownership, but definitely was new to this breed. Thus, although the
e-list certainly had relevance as regards general equine issues, it was
especially helpful for questions and concerns pertaining to Haflingers.
Health, basic care, feeding, training, behavior and personality, tack,
breeding --the subjects were myriad, and the input invaluable. In
addition, I felt as if I had a whole network of friends in many different
parts of the country, and even outside the U.S. I was an active member
on the list for several years but did cease participating mainly because the
topics were starting to re-cycle (e.g., what saddle should I buy for my
Haflinger?). Nevertheless, I cherish the encouragement and information
I received over the years. There is a bond which links us all, and
that is our love for these unique "golden ponies" which enables us to reach
out to each other and instantly understand each other. Betsy Tumbas,
California
I joined Haflinger Friends to learn more about Haflingers and to meet people
who owned and loved them. We had never owned a horse before, and had to
learn all about horse care, tack, health issues, training, saddles, etc. I
loved the fact that I could ask all of my "dumb" questions on
haflingerfriends, and I always received friendly, knowledgeable and patient
answers. I loved the stories and adventures posted on the site, and kept
track of the horses for sale for quite a while.
While I'm not as good about keeping up with all the dialogue in the group
these days, it's reassuring to know it's there when I need it or have some
spare time to catch up. Sue Meade Colorado
The Haflinger Friends discussion group
has at its simplest level provided varied information for all members—from
the brand new horse owner to the more experienced. Practical information
encourages participation that is provided (generally) in a friendly, “that
happened to me” atmosphere. Through questions and answers even the most
knowledgeable or jaded may gain insight into problems and their solutions
shared by those who have already experienced similar situations. Posts
of various subjects establish the level of awareness that exists among
members throughout the group’s widespread living area. The mutual
incidences create a commonness of interest that generates a connection that
could not exist without this form of communication
A more esoteric benefit is the bonds
of emotional and friendly support that have formed to solidify the group
into a sharing and caring community. This aspect is especially meaningful
to many members and provides a hidden strength to the group’s effectiveness.
The only shortcoming to a group of
this type is an innate inability to say what is meant—not by design but
because the one-way, flat word on the page does not always express what is
meant to be said, or the reader interprets the message differently than the
sender intended. Then, when an attempt is made to try to explain further,
the hole of misunderstanding gets a little deeper and tempers may flare.
With Emily’s discerning approach, control is maintained, and this group has
become a quick communication tool and a unique benefit to many. Bea Wallace,
Michigan
I joined this list when I was acquired by Stetson our grade haflinger
gelding. Over the years I have enjoyed the list because of all the wonderful
horse people who share there knowledge and the wonderful kind and caring people
who I feel I know even if I have never meet them. I appreciate the "pot
stirring" at times because in brings information. and for the people who can
realize that everyone has the right to an opinion even when it isn't theres. and
at times not mine.. Although I don't join in very often I read the e-mails every
day,and laugh ,cry and rejoice with the members. I appreciate all the people who
work hard to keep the list going and do a wonderful job promoting this wonderful
breed of horse. Norma in Olympia WA
It is of great comfort that I am
able to get on the site any time I need to know anything about the Haffies.
Patricia Greene, Seaneen McArdle, Rosamond, CA.
As we take this time to think back to our beginnings in Haflingerfriends, I
pause to think of what this group has meant to me over the years. As many of
you know, my first Haflinger was Erick. He was a two-year old when I got him.
He and I were both as green as could be. Through Haflingerfriends I learned a
lot about training a horse, and in particular a Haflinger horse. You see, Erick
is smarter than I and I was constantly challenged to teach him. He would try to
anticipate what I wanted and move accordingly before I even gave him a signal.
Thank goodness Haflingers are forgiving! I made many mistakes in working with
Erick. Some of the original members were down to earth in their instructions to
me. It was easy to follow their guidelines. There have been many subjects
offered up for debate through the years and some good has come from each
debate. I am sorry that some of the original members have gone by the way
side. Their expertise is greatly missed. I am happy to see all the new blood
coming to the group. Yes, Haflingerfriends has really grown. I hope that the
'family and friends' attitude that was part of the group in the beginning can be
restored. I don't like reading the negative comments toward anyone or any
training practice. This group is for everyone. It was set up to help all of
us. I feel that when I read about someone's experience, I can learn and store
that knowledge away in case I ever need it. I read about this type of training
or that type of bit or saddle, again, I process this information, use what I
feel will help me and ignore the rest. This group is for all of us to learn
from, it was set up to assist Haflinger owners and has done a great job through
the years. I now have three Haflingers and still read the Haflingerfriend
posts. I am not as active with the group as I was, mainly because of
responsibility I currently have of raising two grand daughters for the school
year - one 8 and the other 6. They are young, full of energy and keep me on my
toes! But when I need help, I contact Haflingerfriends! Carol in Snowflake AZ
When we
bought our Haflinger, Strawberry Sue (Fat Girl) approx. 7 years ago - we
never knew what a remarkable journey we would be embarking on. Our Fat Girl
was so OBVIOUSLY super intelligent, such a wonderful babysitter for our then
10 year old daughter just learning to ride, and such a beautifully made
breathtaking animal, there couldn't possibly be anyone out there with a
horse as amazing as ours! I was shocked to discover that there were others
out there who had Haflingers just like ours! Thus began my relationship
with the Haflinger Friends email group. I have stuck with the group, even
though I don't post too much anymore (too busy!) because now and then I love
to read what other amazing Haflinger folks are doing, and what this
wonderful breed is bringing forth in the horse world. When we first brought
our girl home I was in touch with members from the group constantly to
compare notes, ask questions, get information, and make friends in the "Haffie"
world. I am so thankful in those early days that the group was literally
available at my fingertips. Cindy Newcomb
Haflingerfriends are my extended family even if they don't know it! They
have gotten me through the deaths of both parents and the separation of my
marriage. No one spoke a word but the positive, supportive atmosphere of all
that chatter has done more good than anyone will know. God bless them all.
Bette Green, Colorado
I can't believe it is 7 years ago I joined the Haflinger
Friends-group. at that time I was only 16. Since that I have bought my first
mare Regina. Together we won a lot of prizes at shows and together we
learned the dressage. She died and after 1˝ year I found the next. Rosa
taught me the driving and how to show a horse- she gave me the first prize
in showing a horse. This was leading me to my meeting with Aslan. I was
asked to prepare him for the stallion election. He got his 1-years license
and this spring he came to me again. In September he got another
license. He is not and will never be a breeding champion but he is the
perfect gentleman and a dream to work with. I decided that I had to own him.
Now I only have him - Rosa died this fall. I hope this third time is the
lucky time. I'm often thinking of all the great people I've met because of
the horses and how the animals can change us as humans and how much they
teach us. I've never believed that I was going to be a stallion-owner
and now also secretary in the association. I have been at vet-student for 3˝
year now (and have almost no time left for stuff like haflinger-friends).
Hopefully I graduate January 2009. Life brings us so much more than we can
imagine even though it can be tough. Pernille from Denmark
