



What if I don't have a Haflinger?
AHA! welcomes participation in our programs by all Haflingers that meet the breed standard for appearance, including chestnut coat with cream mane and tail. We do not require the Haflingers to be registered but they must visibly appear to be Haflingers. Like fine art, you know a Haflinger when you see it! Cross-bred or part-bred Haflingers that do not meet the breed standards for appearance are not included in our programs at this time, but we welcome all interested parties to explore our site and learn more about Haflingers.
What about international members? I want to join!
Some notes:
-some programs may not ‘translate’ easily to other countries, such as show ratings to accumulate Golden Horse points, and may need to be considered on an individual basis.
-AHA! will hold and mail any charms or other awards that international members earn in one shipment each January for the previous year.
-International members are responsible for all shipping charges for Haflinger Swag Shop purchases.
Have any other questions? Just email us!
Where do I get those awesome saddle charms?
Tell me about that horse logo!
In creating AHA!’s logo, we considered endless ideas and zillions of representations of Haflingers (we had lots of CovidTime) but nothing was quite right. Then, Michelle stumbled on a fun little caricature of a horse and we all just loved her (Sassy is clearly a mare!) We couldn’t quite pinpoint why, but she was just so charming and spirited and… Sassy!
Sassy doesn’t represent any particular horse; she is Everyhorse. And like our real-life horses, Sassy has many moods- she can be formal and fancy, or neighing and naughty! She even changes colors and patterns to express herself! You’ll find Sassy playing throughout our website, and in our Haflinger Swag Shop too.
What's with the exclamation point?
What’s with all the hearts?
Is there a membership agreement or code of conduct?
Members must agree to follow these Barn Rules in and out of American Haflinger Alliance settings. The spirit of AHA! is to promote inclusivity, encouragement, education and fun at all times.
Failure of members to follow the Barn Rules may result is a loss of membership and forfeiture of all membership benefits and any dues paid
When does my membership expire?
Help! I forgot my password!
Then enter your name or email address and click on “Reset password.” You will receive a link to create a new password via email.
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Are Haflingers horses or ponies?
Note: we still sometimes refer to Haflingers as ponies as a term of endearment. We also know several 18 hand “ponies” to which this applies!
Are Haflingers part draft horse?
The foundation of the Haflinger breed begins with the stallion Folie, who was sired by a half-Arabian stallion and out of a refined mountain mare of warmblood type. Large cold blooded horses were not present in the region at the time, and would not have suited the small farms or narrow paths of the Alps.
How come some Haflingers are very chunky and some look much lighter in body style?
It was shortly after WWII ended that Tempel Smith imported the first Haflingers into the US, and his were of the shorter and draftier variety that were available then. For many years, these horses and their offspring were the only Haflingers in the US, and so the image of Haflingers as a draft pony became what was known in the US.
Meanwhile, Austria and Italy made a concentrated effort to return the Haflinger breed to its original type and size. Many years later when new Haflingers were imported into the US, they didn’t look much like the Haflingers Tempel Smith had imported, bred, or sold throughout the country. They were, however, much closer to the original Haflinger type.
Because the WWII packhorse was the first Haflinger present in the US, many people not familiar with the breed’s history mistakenly believed that was the original or more correct type, and continued to breed and show that body style. Many others began to follow the World Haflinger Federation’s standard and breed for a lighter and taller horse.
Although there is only one true breed standard, there’s still a Haflinger available to suit all style preferences, and all are equally charming and loveable!
Are all Haflingers palominos?
(If two palominos were bred, their offspring could be chestnut, palomino or cremello, and the breed would not be so identifiable!)
What does the ”liz.” in some sire’s names or registration numbers mean?
Stallions who earn this rating spent the first years of their life grazing on the mountains in all weather, and then prepare for and complete the difficult stallion selection procedure – a 30 day performance test for 3 and 4 year old stallions.
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How soon will I get my stuff?
What is your return policy?
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Is there anything for kids?
What is the age limit for AHA! Junior Membership?
Example:
Sassy turned 19 on February 2, 2021. Since she was still 18 on January 1, she’s eligible for AHA! Junior Membership. If she joined AHA! on March 1, she’ll turn 20 before her membership expires on February 28, 2022, and that’s okay!
How do I enter the AHA! Junior Contests?
Contests are awarded quarterly, and your submission will automatically be entered for the quarter during which it was uploaded.
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How much does it cost?
The weekly Facebook Photo Fun contests and the Monthly Motivations are both FREE with your AHA! Membership.
Our Quarterly Quests present a unique challenge for goals and accountability, and have a $25 registration fee per quest.
What do I win?
The Monthly Motivation challenges each have their own charm for everyone who successfully completes four check-ins, so hang with us each month and collect them all!
Those who conquer a Quarterly Quest will receive custom stall medallion token. Earn all the medallions in any one year to discover their interlocking SUPER MEDALLION surprise!
How do I participate?
Monthly Motivation challenges don’t require any registration, but we do ask for one check-in per week on the Charming Challenge Check-In board on the Haflinger Connection Forum. At the end of the month when you’ve successfully completed your Charming Challenge, just head on over to the Swag Shop to submit your charm request!
Quarterly Quests require registration and weekly check-ins, but we’ll monitor your participation and send your medallion automatically upon completion!
HALP! I lost my charm!
All charms are sent free to members when they’re earned. However, in the event of one of the above disasters, replacements are available for $5 each. Please email us to request a replacement!
Please note: because charms can only be earned and may not be purchased, if we don’t have a previous charm request on record for you, we may not be able to provide a replacement.
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How much does it cost?
What do I win?
How do I register?
What division am I in?
I. Junior – only for those 18 and under (your age on January 1 of the award year is your age for that year)
II. Adult Amateur – for those who don’t make money in the horse business
III. Open/Professional – for those who DO make money in the horse business, or who don’t fit into the other categories.
IV. Silver Spurs – only for those 55 and over (your age on January 1 of the award year is your age for that year)
Exhibitors may compete in one division; no cross entering allowed. Those eligible for multiple divisions may choose in which division they would like to compete. Declarations must be made at the time of enrollment and may not be changed once points have been earned.
Can I compete with multiple horses? Can one horse have multiple riders?
When does the award year start and end?
How do I calculate points?
Do online or virtual shows count?
Yes! Online and virtual shows (including the AHA! International Haflinger Celebration) count for half the points of the in-person equivalent event. View the point calculations here
How and when do I submit points?
Show results may be submitted at any time, but must be submitted no later than January 31st following the award year. Exhibitors must be an AHA member and enrolled the Golden Horse program at the time points are earned.
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How much does it cost?
What do I win?
How do I register?
Can I enroll with more than one horse? Can I a horse participate with multiple people?
How and when do I submit hours?
You must be a member and enrolled in Haffie Hours at the time hours are earned (note to the early-birds: 2021 hours begin tracking with our official launch on March 1!). You may submit hours at any time throughout the year and charms will be mailed within two weeks of receipt of any milestone hours reached. The official award year runs from January 1st through December 31st. If you’d like your milestones to be included in the year-end list of recognitions, please submit all hours by January 31 of the following year