What I Wish I'd Known...

I wish I would have known what I was getting into, when I got my very first horse when I was 22. I grew up begging for a horse, and finally, my dreams had come true. I wish that I would have known that he was going to be the perfect horse. I wish I would have known how much he was going to teach me, about horses, and about loving them. I wish I would have known that he was going to be my best friend and the four-legged love of my life. I wish that I would have known that he was going to teach my own daughter how to love horses, and how to ride. I wish I would have known how much I would grow to trust and rely on him. I wish I would have known just how many people would love him, and how many children he would make smile. And I wish I would have known how huge of a hole he was going to leave in my heart when he passed on September, 18th, 2007, because I would have treasured every moment that much more.

To Jim, who will be in our hearts and in our minds forever. May the sun ever shine for you, on the unfenced green pastures in the sky. Pumpkin and Lizzy miss you too. Grieving in Michigan, Kristina

I wish I had known that I would rather drink my morning coffee in the barn with my Haflinger "TY", than my husband and kids, no offense family! Anne

I wish I'd known how fast we'd bond, and how beautiful he'd look taking a nap under his favorite tree in the pasture. I wish I'd known how well he'd bond with our old mules and how easy it was for him to figure out the gate latch to let him into their pasture. I wish i'd known how wonderful my Charlie Horse was going to be and that my journey to find the "perfect horse" would end with him. Sherry Bunting Asheboro, NC

I wish I'd known that my husband secretly loves my horses. He is gruff and blusters a lot about owning them, the costs, the schedule not being as open, the vet bills and must have new bits of tack. But he secretly goes out to the stable where my mare is boarded and visits her, thinking nobody will tell. He worries that she is bored, hungry, fat, thin, tired, restless, or just not at home right now. He brings horse cookies, apples, carrots, an old piece of toast, a handful of grass just for her. He wants to make sure his blonde girlfriend is happy. He was so worried when the foal was born unexpectedly at 4 in the afternoon that he ran home from work and was holding the foal up so the foal could nurse, not realizing the foal would get up on his own and nurse in a while. He worries at shows (she's too hot, too cold, too nervous, needs something to eat, etc.), he worries when we are on vacation, he worries when the weather is bad. When he talks to the mare and the foal he forgets himself and lets them know they are good dogs, which is how he thinks of them, really...then he corrects himself and says horses. He doesn't just like the horses, he loves the horses but don't ask him about it! The Haflinger is a wonderful horse tempermentally, so much so that they won my supposedly hard hearted husband over. I manage the shots, the feeding, the farrier, the training, all the daily grind stuff. He manages the cookies and don't they love him for it! I wish I'd known what an effect these horses would have on my husband when we got our mare!

Karen von Bargen--Oroville, CA

......that they "barge" though undergrowth and small trees whilst trail riding, that they are obsessed with food and water, that they will leave a slobber pile the size of a dinner plate and an inch thick on completion of just an apple, that they are the only horse in the paddock that will trot to you in greeting, that even after a previously abusive owner, my boy bonded with me and trusted me after just one week of owning him-a bond that will never be broken. If I had of known these quirky traits of this breed, I would have got my self one long ago!
Carrissa Clarke, Brisbane, Australia

I wish I had known that I would get a "welcome whinny" the moment I pull into our driveway from working all day. It makes me smile. EF Carnes

The distinctive face and heart warming eyes just take you away, away to a place where you can never come back. Riding a Haflinger is like being on a cloud, floating along in the breeze. Their Canter is strong, powerful and exciting. I love my Sir Chubbs and he fits all these catagories. I wish to have more when I get older but no horse can take the place of your first one, especially if its a Haflinger.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/CarlyxSadie/Chubby/1.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/CarlyxSadie/chubs.jpg
My Best Boy, the true king of my heart.
~Carly~
Granby, Massachusetts

We have an incredibly sad story. We are beyond brokenhearted that we have lost our first beloved Haflinger, Gypsy. She was only three and a half years old and yesterday morning, we found that she had stretched her head out of her stall further than we ever thought she could have, got her halter caught on the gate latch, pulled back, broke her neck and died. What we wish we had known is that halters can be very dangerous, especially with a horse as curious as a Haflinger. We must have spent years reading 20- 30 books and talking to 200 people to learn about horses before we ever got one. Not one source ever mentioned how dangerous halters can be. Of course, following this awful tragedy, we learned that this horrible occurrence of horses getting hung up on their halters happens all too often. Leather halters may break in such a situation and nylon break aways made for such a situation would be better choices. This is what we wish we had known before owning a Haflinger. If telling this terrible story saves another horse from this, then it is worth telling. Our children are broken hearted and our entire family cannot stop reeling in the what ifs of the whole thing. Our family personally is not using halters in the stall or in the pasture at all ever, and will only use break aways when absolutely necessary. The other horses are missing her. Our family prays to find our next Haflinger, who will not replace Gypsy but remind of us how wonderful, sweet and meaningful she is and was to us.

. . that after a lifetime (50 years) with horses I could meet a breed with the spirit of the Arabian, the calm nature of the Percheron, the friendly personality of the Qtr horse, and the sure footed / trail savvy of the mountain goat. All wrapped up in one fabulous golden package who runs to meet me in the pasture. His name is Waltzing Willy BBF, and he has made me a Haflinger person.

Joy in Tennessee

That they can open gate latches, stall and feed room doors.......and unlock the chains around your heart. Kathleen, Pocket Pony Ranch, Pennsylvania

I wish I'd known that I was capable of loving something so much
They would become my teachers for life
That I could never have just one
And I could never ever ever sell them
They can make even non horse people wish they had one
That I would feel so loved by them
That they do enjoy hugging and kissing
They would change my life and career
They are super playful
They can undo any gate
They love to work more than you do
They can turn a bad day into a delightful day
They make everyone at my barn wish they had one
They can be verbally demanding for your attention
They are better than a pot of gold or honey!
They are the neighborhood entertainment
Sandra Petranek (Everson, WA)

.... That only a Haflinger can open his door lock only to get his food quicker....
....That only Haflingers can eat a broom that hangs near their stall instead of hay....
... That only a Haflinger can make you smile even though he made a mess in the barn while escaping from his stall during the night.
Emilie Laval , Quebec , Canada

I wish I had known earlier how wonderful the Haflinger was, because I wouldn't have waited so long to get one, two, five, ahem, eight.
Yes, I saw them when I was a child and marveled at their beauty. Yes, I rode them and admired them and dreamed of someday owning one. But when I was a child, a horse was a horse and I didn't care what kind I had as long as I got one! I owned many different kinds and loved them all. Now that I own Haflingers, though, I realize how special they truly are. Because of my years of owning different breeds, I understand what makes the Haflingers so unique and amazing. They can do anything - and they have lovely, capricious and intelligent natures that worm their way into the very depths of your heart and soul. Their huge dark eyes with golden eyelashes seem to hold a universe of wisdom.
The Haflingers' strength, beauty, charm and willingness make them very special, indeed, and I feel truly blessed to live and work with them. After all, better late than never!
Heidi Forchemer, Alpenland Haflingerhof, Leavenworth WA

That you can't have just one. We plan on using Haflingers for future school horses. Their size and temperament, when trained, is not intimidating for kids or adults for that matter. How very sweet and intelligent they are. Last year, when our mare Quick Fire was due to foal I took a cot down to spend the night with her in the barn. Before I and a friend went to sleep, I told her to let us know when she went into labor. Just before her water broke she came to me and my friend and snickered. Within 15 minutes she delivered a healthy beautiful baby boy. It was a miracle to watch! He was my first foal from my own mare and stallion. That they are so entertaining. I know Quick Fire can go in a straight line but with students she looks like she is drunk! You just have to laugh at her! How resilient they are. My five year old stallion had sand colic in December and was at the vets for days. He pulled through just fine and everyone fell in love with him. For a stallion, he is the sweetest thing and never complained one time. While we were waiting to go to the vet he laid down and put his head in my lap. I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. I love the feel of having a horse underneath me -- the roundness -- but also love being closer to the ground as I not so gracefully age. I would find my future retirement home through my Haflingers and already have friends waiting for us to move -- Carol in Snowflake, Arizona. I would find a great group of people with whom to bond. I don't post often but do read my mail every day. Now I have to go hug a Haflinger.
Sara in Wyoming

I wish I had known what a wonderful dimension they would add to my life. I responded to a rare ad for one in Oklahoma. My reason for looking was complicated. The people told me he was their babysitter for their children (yeah right... I had heard that line before!) They knew nothing of the breed and we sure didn't. My husband's quick assessment was that the little gelding looked like a "little draft horse" and we would be embarrassed on the trails with our QH friends. I conceded but never forgot my feelings for the little guy and began my secret internet searches. Several years later after a significant injury my husband agreed to at least look at them with me. We located and bought our first two Haflinger mares. I wish I
would have known what a joy they would truly be because I would not have blinked an eye when I wrote the check for them and we would not have had a long tense ride home! Then I wish I would have known when I bought our third lady because WE DIDN'T blink and eye when we wrote that check! I wish I would have known the confidence they would
bring to me. I wish I would have known they would open the world to me. I am amazed that I am connected to people in England, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Australia and all across the United States. I wish I also would have know (because it brings me such hope, joy and faith)
that there are truly knowledgeable and caring persons... willing to share their years of horsemanship learning for absolutely nothing but a love for the horse and sincere care for the human. I wish I would have known there was such a community related to the Haflinger that is wise, insightful, funny, enlightening, friendly, diverse and willing to connect.... I would have enjoyed more years but thank goodness I know now.
Sue (in Texas)

I think being 'smarter than the average bear' and probably too smart for beginners isn't stressed nearly enough. The willing attitude and steady temperament seems to be viewed as well trained by far too many and this is dangerous. They are horses first, last, and always and people seem to forget that. There is nothing magical bestowed upon them by the Haflinger name, much as we devotees may like to think so. On a less serious note I never knew owning one would garner so much attention from others. It's like having a drop-dead gorgeous blonde enter a room and everyone stops and stares. I've been asked to remove Panache from the lesson area because children and adults can't take their eyes off her and the lesson time is being wasted. You had better be prepared for lots of questions. :-) Cris, Illinois

that only other Haflinger owners would understand why one Haflinger is not enough or why 23 Haflingers is not enough. I wish I had known... that my home office would become stuffed with boxes of Haflinger brochures, files full of pictures of Haflinger ancestors, stacks of posts about Haflinger experiences and shelves of Haflinger event memorabilia. I wish I had known... that Lila-Jane would become so spoiled in such a short time. I wish I had known... about Haflingers much earlier in my life . . . .Gale, Oregon

about the incredible people that own Haflingers, and the world-wide community that comes with ownership. I've been blessed with friendships I might otherwise have never known. I've learned so much from others, even felt more spiritual as we share happy and sad times. I now view the sunrise and sunset, the stars and the moon with new meaning...a beautiful sunrise is shared with Linda, Christina, Marcia, Karen, Ingrid, Rina, Lisa, Ann, Kim, Roberta and Jeremy here on the east coast. I consider it a gift from Kerstin, Steffi, Yvon and Linnea...I send the clear skies, twinkling stars, and full moon on to those west of me... Jacque, Phyllis, Donna, Anita, Cris, Diana, Sonya, Sandi, Jesse, Carol, Colleen, Linda, Jennifer, Kiola, Carin, Emily, Heidi, Gale, those incredible Nayborly girls, Peggy, Norma and our down-under Kiwi friends. The golden bonds we share give us pride and joy and tons of fun. I wish I had known that ownership brings out the OCD (obsessive, compulsive disorder) in all of us. Also...afflictions and addictions previously dormant. Then again...those Haflinger Anonymous Meetings aren't so bad after all! Cheers...ride on! Let's see...when is the next sale?? Hopelessly addicted and lovin every minute of it.... Jan in Purcellville, VA :o)

Boy....I was told just about everything by the woman I got my first haflinger from....she did a thorough job of introducing me to the breed and to the specific horse! Ann Taylor of Wild Haven Farm in MO is where I bought most of my haflingers from and she took very good care of me as a first time haflinger buyer. Looking back, I don't feel like I was taken advantage of AT ALL...she really does practice ethics in her business deals and puts the horse above everything else. I also got what I paid for too..she prices very fairly ..though I know some people really take advantage of the first time haflinger buyer and overprice stock. Her horses are well mannered and they are represented fairly..total disclosure is one of her strongest passions. My first buy was a little fella who had had an injury to his pastern as a baby. I got all the vet records and that information is also permanently in his AHR file! I was told how beguiling the breed is, but how important training was...how smart they
were..the pros and cons of this...and how hard my heart would fall..and it did...I can not own another type of horse to ride...my heart belongs to the Haflinger..and I really owe the Taylors for making my introduction to the breed so wonderful...!!!!!!!!!!!
teah..

I wish I had known about Haflingers about a hundred years ago when I was young. I wish I had been told more about their superior intelligence. Their problem solving skills. I would not have believed it. They can figure out more ways to escape their confines, then any other animal I know. I have stood by my window and watched Ariel actually think out a solution to the barrier in front of her many times. Every time I come up with a new barrier, she comes up with a new solution. I have come to the conclusion, that she is just smarter then me. I would not have missed this relationship for a million bucks.
Myrna in Phoenix

-how addictive Hafingers are! We now have three purebreds!
- how excited my husband would become over having Haflingers - we'd have bought more land when we moved!
- how just watching them in the pasture from my kitchen window can make me forget my plans for the day and any troubles that have been on my mind. Rina in Maryland

- how much pleasure I would get from simply watching my beauties interact in the pasture.
- that a wonderful group of people have Haflingers.
- about them many years ago when I was still riding quarter horses.
- that their beautiful faces would greet me at the corral fence, while the other horses waited for breakfast at their feeders.
Geri in Oregon

My haflingers are all I expected them to be. Actually they are a bit smarter then I expected. I love the curiousity that I find in my younger Haflinger. I wish my older Haflinger Saranda had a bit more fun in her she is much too serious. Although that seriousness is great when I have my daughter on her on a trail ride as I know that she is well taken care of Saranda will not do anything stupid. I wonder if it is age difference or just training. I did not expect to get so attached to them. Lisa in West Virginia

I have made such nice friends thru this breed of horse. It's wonderful to have these people to share with-haflinger and non haflinger topics. Ingrid in Pennsylvania

I wish I had known ... How much I would miss the ones I had sold .... How addictive it would be to want to read the Haflinger list mail everyday.... And how hard it is to stay away from buying another one ..... I have seen a few photos of some that were so breathtakingly beautiful that if they were closer I would weaken and have to own them .... Peggy :>) in Washington

... how much a Haflinger would grow on me. Until a year ago, I'd never seen a Haffie in the flesh. For all that Amore's complex
personality and intelligence used to drive me crazy and make me think I'd never understand him, over the last year we have become a team (I even still love him after he's stepped on my foot twice and possibly put a hairline fracture in it - though it was pretty much my fault, he only moved where I asked him to, which happened to be where I stuck out my foot). We still have our moments of "testing" but now I really appreciate how much goes through that mind of his and what a great horse he really is. In some ways he's so different than any other horse I've been close to . If I EVER get my own horse I'd be very tempted to look for a good Haffie...
... how sad I'd be when I found out he's been sold. Subject to the vet check, Amore' will be leaving us soon and going to a family in Indiana. Granted, they seem to be a wonderful family and he will get more riding time there (not to mention be able to live with a pretty Haffie mare and show off for her), but I'll be sad to see him go...
... how much I'd grow to appreciate all the stories and "down to earth" wisdom found on this list. It seems I don't have time to
read half the entries, but I love how everyone here just loves their Haffies, even while admitting they're not perfect...
Stephanie in Michigan

I wish I had been told how so many young children would be drawn to my Haflinger and be content just to sit on his back while he grazes. I which I had been told that this "full-figured guy with the short legs" thinks he can run with the Thoroughbreds. I wish I had been told how easy it is to sit his beautiful gaits. I wish I had known that only another Haflinger owner could understand why I think a sale price for him would be totally fair at $75,000. I wish I had known how easily he could be trained to "PAW" (for food, yet!). lol. I wish I had been told never to wear a white shirt near my Haflinger unless I wanted to also wear horse kisses alll dayy longg. I wish I had been told how Haflingers love to bond with one primary care giver and how patiently he will watch for "his" person. On second thought.... these have been just a few of many delightful surprises since my Haflinger entered my life.......... Judy in TN

That fences that had stood for years would no longer survive. Colleen in Yuma, AZ

...you can have a horse that can do all those things the big guys can do, but is small enough so that you can mount it early Sunday morning after you had been out partying all Saturday night. Steffi in North Dakota

I wish I knew how much he would bring to my life, but I sure am glad I know now! Terri in Ohio

wish I had known how quickly they can worm their way into your heart--Linda from Michigan

That he would be such a great teacher...(of course on the flip side he is so dang mischievious!!!) Jessie & Toby in Kentucky