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Why Haflingers are Good for the Soul

I have a 13 Yr old Haflinger mare that I've had the pleasure of owning for 5 yrs. I board her at a boarding stable about 5 mile from home. After work I go the the barn for a sanity break. I know when I drive down the drive she will neigh and run to the gate to greet me. I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world. I look forward to the each and every day.
Julie in Tennessee

My experience with these golden horses is, that after a day of work and stress, it is almost relaxing therapy to clean stables, put their food on their "plates" and have a cheering crowd that is happy when
they see you. The second thing is the struggle and sweat that it costs to make a Haflinger a good riding/dressage horse. Sometimes it needs more than only riding-technique.
Approach and compliments are the winning factor. They are extremely clever.
Ninie in Holland

My young Haffie mare is helping me to learn to trust horses again. She's also teaching me how to be a leader without being a despot, and is shoving me out of my teeny-weeny little comfort zone. When Honey's good, she's very, very good. When she's bad, I learn and grow so that I can encourage her to be good. She's growing my confidence and courage. I'm completely in love with my lovely, challenging, sweet Haflinger, Honey.
Joanna in Montana

Saying that Haflingers are good for the soul is an understatement!  Haflingers have beauty like none other.  Kind soft eyes and a huge neigh neigh greet you whenever you arrive. Living on a busy road, mine call out to everyone with gusto,  often convincing the passerby that they are recognized and their best friend.  A handful of grass is passed over the fence, my two look at each other and wink, and their new best friend feels special.  Truly the GOLDEN HORSE WITH THE GOLDEN HEART! 
Leslie

A Haflinger has the sensitivity to know when human spirits are low, sauntering across the pasture with a nod of good cheer and a whinny so genuine, human cares melt away. She has the finesse to carry a rider across perilous turf, jumping obstacles with careful grace. He has the prowess to escape being being chased by a stallion with a rider astride, tip toeing to safety at the end of the chase. The heart of the Golden Pony is deep enough to hold a disabled child, to race Endurance or to compete in 4-H. She'll learn to walk a furrow in a short morning's work simply because it is asked of her.
Mary in Texas

Haflingers are kind, fun, lovable, loyal and above all friends for life. What could be better for the soul than that?
Jory in California
 
In February 2011, I took a bad fall from my QH.  Had injury to my spine, pelvis, kidney, sciatic nerve and had to have rehab assistance.
It was 3 weeks before I was able to go down to see my two haffie X's, QH and Arab.  The horses are on our property, so close but still so far away.  I drove down to the barn, called their names and all 4 of the horses came running from the far end of the field.  Their manes were flying and they were screaming at me.  Then 25 feet from the barn they came to a sudden stop and they were looking at me strange.  I opened the gate, let the 2 haffies in and the haffies slowly took little steps, stopped, they both gently and slowly tucked their noses between my elbows and ribs, one on each side of me.  I began to cry, some how they knew that I was still injured.  They did not move an inch, just their breath steaming up my arm pits. Visited with  all the horses and then sent them all back to the pasture.  As I drove back to the house, the horses were running along the fence line screaming at me. When it was time to get back on a horse, of course it was one of the Haffies!
Kate in Oregon
 
Haflingers are so easy to please. Just give them a pat on the neck or a carrot, and they'll show you a contented face. So when nothing is going right and I can't seem to please anybody, I just visit by haffie and he puts everything into perspective for me.
Maureen
 
"Sylvia" greets me with a friendly neigh every day when I get home from work. She comes over for a pet whenever she sees me. She jumps her 4 foot fence, even though she's less than a year old, but she only runs over to me when she "escapes." I'm her first owner and she's my first horse. We both know we have nothing but time to get to know and trust each other and it shows... and her movement is gorgeous, jumping logs, streams and anything else in her way in stride. Looking over and making a dash to feel the wind in her mane. Running with the dog, herding the goats or nudging dad for a treat, Sylvia has won our hearts with hers.

We have been touched by three very special Haflingers, each unique but wrapped in the same golden ray of sunshine that touches your heart forever.  We have giggled over their mischievious antics, witnessed their generosity and marveled at their willingness to give anything a try.  They have touched our lives in ways that have made us better, stronger, more compassionate and open.  Blue moods aren't possible around these golden ponies.  They are however infectious with their uncanny ability to provide laughter, friendship and understanding ... try one on for your soul!
Kim in Washington

To the tune of "Edelweiss":
Haflingers, Haflingers
You’re always happy to meet me
Manes so white
Eyes so bright
Ever and ever so friendly

Flying like snow
Prancing you go
Living life as it’s meant to
Gentle and kind
Thoughtful, refined
Friends like you are so treasured

Haflingers, Haflingers
Show us how
Love over strife can occur
Help us see
How we can be
Haflingers, Haflingers
Too

Ernest in Washington

I am a very new haflinger owner, but I have admired this breed for years.  My new haffie's color is such a rich, warmness that it reminds me of the summer sun, and is especially good for my soul in the dark, cold winter.  Grooming her long, full mane and tail is soothing to me - calms me down amid the chaos of raising my 4 children!  And looking into her beautiful, deep brown eyes is comforting - there is a sense of understanding between us that never needs words.
Jennifer Westbrook,  Christiana, PA

Taking Midnight Van de Edelwiess out for a drive on a warm and sunny day, watching the shadows of his legs and listening to the clip of  steel as his hooves strike the staccato of his rhythm on the pavement is about as close to heaven as a person can get without passing on over.
Harry in Washington

Haflingers are good for the soul.  I see God's confidence in Babe's warm eyes. I hear His joyful voice in Babe's bugle as I pull into the driveway.  I see God's beauty in Babe's shape and color.  I feel God's strength when I wrap my arms around Babe's muscular neck or when he refuses to lead where I want him to go.  (God is a rock.)  While my emotional world flies up and and down, Babe stays the same.  So does God. A day will come when Babe is not himself. When his head will hang low and he will lack energy and hunger.  On that day, I will see in him my need for God.
Marilyn in Sacramento CA
 
I started riding late in life (58) and never planned to own a horse.  Then I met Buddy, my Haflinger, and fell in love--with his looks, his soulfull eyes, his intelligence, his playfulness,
and, yes, even his independence.  He has personality galore!   It takes time to bond ... but when you earn their trust, it is the most amazing feeling.   He brings me a type of joy and excitement and adventure I've never had before.
Mary Lou in Texas

A Haflinger is good for the soul because after a long stressfull day of work, you can just relax with them, groom them, and they take the stress away. When you are sad they bring joy to your life with the soft eyes they have. When you teach them things they show gratitude from their soul, and that is good for our soul.
Mike, Aumsville, Oregon.

Because they remind us of what is good in life. 
Janice

Horses in general are good for the soul. Haflingers, in particular , are good for the soul because of some of their natural, bred-in characteristics. They are fearless, smart, and curious. Therefore, they are willing, and maybe even happy,  to spend time near their owner in the barn or in the pasture. Nothing better on a cold gloomy winter day than to spend time rubbing, scratching, hugging, smelling, and talking to a warm fuzzy Haflinger.
John Brunner,  NE Pennsylvania

 
When the soul is hurting they can bring comfort with a head on the shoulder, a soft snuffling of your hair, a lick on the face or hand.  A quiet ride in the mountains or woods bringing tranquility to chaos, always with surefootedness and strength.   The soft nicker of hello when they hear and or see you for the first time in the morning.  Always accepting you, never judging, loving without condition.  Haflinger sweetness and acceptance in itself is good for the soul.
Cindy Rae in Lillydale, West Virginia

 
For me, there's something about that golden face with its kind brown eye that connects me with the universe.  She studies me as much as I study her. She's taught me how to listen without hearing, to be content with the small things, to lay in the sun, to roll in the grass, to swat at things that are pesky, to call out when friends come and go, to show my emotions so that displeasure or contentment are plain for all to see.  In short, she keeps me honest - a good thing for my soul I’d say.
Catherine in Massachusetts

After a day filled with the stresses of being a stay-at-home mom I escape to the barn. I am greeted with a happy knicker. I jump on bareback and we head to the fields for a gallop. There is something about being knee-high in sweet smelling clover, the rush of spring air through a white mane and the warmth of  my Haflinger's back under me that melts the stress away.
Cara, Felton, PA

My husband and I own a pair of haflingers, Buttercup and Jellybean. We bought our haflingers after my husband survived a cardiac arrest episode. Jellybean is a lifesaver she is steady on her feet and bombproof and gives my husband a sense of security and saftey on horseback. I believe if it was not for our haflingers my husband would not be in as good health as he is today. Because of Jellybean and Buttercup, I have a healthy and happy husband who looks forward to the little adventures in life again.
 Naomi and Stephen Sapp
Phenix City, Alabama

I am blessed to be a mother to two young children and a barn full of Haflingers.  During the day the Haflinger's take care of my children letting them gives pats and scratches to their hearts content.  They allow their manes to be braided and decorated with flowers.  They take them on steady safe rides.  At the end of the day they take care of me.  My daily escape is to trek out to the barn in the dusk light and see my golden beauties.  There is nothing more calming and peaceful than to hear their pleasant greeting nickers and feel their soft muzzle on my hands.  Some people have a nightly cup of warm tea to relax at the end of a busy day and I have my Haflinger's warm muzzles to soothe me.
Jennifer in Minnesota

I have 5 horses, 3 of them Haflingers. Each morning, rain or shine, my haflingers leave their stalls and feeders to watch for me, and touch me as I pet them. They always watch me with interest and love, not for treats, except if you consider a rub a treat.  And you should see them run, racing each other! Such beauty!   They are the sunshine of my life.  Geri in Oregon.

I have MS and am wheel chair bound,The days when I can go out with Stetson are the best days . As I brush Stetson or scratch him  most all the pain and trouble disappear, The sun is brighter and I have no
problems, no cares, he is very gentle with me, I worked with him a lot when I had more mobility and he still remembers , he has always been a kind horse and smarter than is good for him, I gave him to my daughter when I could no longer afford  to care for him . He is home for the summer from the stable and I can't begin to tell you the joy of seeing him in the field .  He is not only loved by me but by my daughters , husband, grandchildren, and all the people at the stable where he was boarded. He stands out in any place where there are children as he attracts them and they LOVE him,and he loves them back.  Norma in Oly

Always there for you, mentally, physically, emotionally.  A loving heart, sharp mind and caring attitude. When you need a hug, they are more than willing to give all of themselves. The first one to greet me with a "neigh" and trotting to me, ahead of the others.  Gorgeous mane and tail flying in the wind.  Will trail-point and shoot, never refusing. Actually, can think on their own, making a trail where there wasn't one.  Would go through anything for their rider.  Confident and strong.  Love to jump and can learn at any age. Love to have a job. Sound mind and body. Oh, and did I mention hugs, hugs, hugs.
JoAnn MInnicks
Proud Owner of a Registered Haflinger Mare 14.3HH
Name is "Frankie"-Originally "Precious Le-La"

I am eternally grateful to Butternut for helping me find deeper levels in myself, and to fly on the wings of our connected hearts. She can handle the intensity of our conversations that do not need the vibration of the vocal chords. Once we gave her hearts to each other, it was completely. I didn’t know I could love this deeply again, and this expansively different. Karen Nowak in Montana

When I look at one of the enchanting beauties called the Haflinger, I can't help but think of childhood dreams that can and do come true.  They are not dead as we age, but there with us always.  One of the gifts a Haflinger gives us is the ability to live in the moment.   When one spends time with their Haflinger, the troubles of yesterday and worries of tomorrow fall away and one can enjoy the here and now - an ability most forget how to do with the innocence of childhood.  In short, Haflingers keep us young at heart.  
Jessie in KY

Home At Last Equine Sanctuary in Yankee Hill, Calif. has 70 horses, donkeys and mules. Lacey the Haflinger is one of our family members. She came to us because she was "mean" and kept bucking off her riders. She had been passed from person to person until she finally made it here. We found she has a hip or spinal injury and is in pain if she is ridden. Though she faced serious mistreatment by former owners she maintained her sweet, loving nature. She now is best friends with Babe, a Pony of the Americas, and Quest a one-eyed Appy.  Lacey and her friends are at liberty and she greets visitors with love and nuzzles. She is good for the human and equine soul providing love and companionship to all who need her. Donna Kyle Home At Last Equine Sanctuary  homeatlastsanctuary.blogspot.com
http://homeatlastsanctuary.webs.com
 

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