5th April 2010

Like every year the popular traditional Haflinger horse race will take place at the Maia Racecourse of Merano. This event marks the beginning of the new local racing season of the Maia racecourse. Principal performers are the famous Haflinger ponies named after Hafling, a small village next to Merano.
In addition to the different races an attractive supporting program will take place. Already in the morning you can spectate at a Haflinger procession in the centre of Meran, accompanied by traditional music bands. But there is also a diversified entertainment programm between one and the other race: western-riding, a trotting-race and a race of three-year stallions will entertain you.

The Haflinger horse

The worldwide popularity of this breed lies not only its unique golden chestnut colouring with long flowing white mane and tail, but also in its unique people loving, willing and forgiving temperament that was established over centuries of living alongside and working with the mountain peasants. Today the horse is used in many activities that include draft and pack work, light harness and combined driving, and many under-saddle events. In riding, they cover the disciplines, appearing in western show classes, trail and endurance riding, dressage, show jumping, vaulting, and also in therapeutic riding programs.
The history of the Haflinger horse can be traced to medieval times when writings told of an Oriental race of horse found in the Mountains of South Tyrol. The first official documentation of the present day Haflinger was in 1874 when the foundation stallion was born of a half-Arab stallion crossed with a refined native Tyrolean mare.