American Haflinger Alliance

Frequently Asked Questions

(Plus some unasked things we just thought you should know)
QUESTIONS ABOUT AHA!
What if I don't have a Haflinger?
No worries! Everyone is welcome, whether or not they have Haflingers and whether or not their Haflingers are registered. We think our concept is pretty great for everyone – maybe someday it grows beyond the Haflinger world!

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!
International Haflinger fans are welcome to join American Haflinger Alliance! (We had to get that first A in there because we love saying AHA!)

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?
Aren’t they the best?! Our distinctive saddle charm series is an AHA! member reward for getting out there and doing stuff. They can only be earned, not purchased! For more information on how to earn them, check out our Charming Challenges and then join now!
Tell me about that horse logo!
Meet Sassy, AHA’s cute and appealing mascot.

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?
We’re so glad you asked! It represents all of the fun and excitement going on in the background!
What’s with all the hearts?
We love Haflingers and love talking about them, so you’ll see lots of hearts all over our website and information. It’s like Valentine’s day all year when you love a Haflinger!
Is there a membership agreement or code of conduct?
We do have a simple set of Barn Rules

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?
Your AHA! membership runs a full 365 days from whenever you join. And you don’t even have to remember when that is – we keep track for you, and we’ll send you a reminder 10 days before it expires (or you can check any time in your Account Dashboard).
Help! I forgot my password!
No worries! Visit the My Account page and click on the “Lost your password?” link below the login box.

Then enter your name or email address and click on “Reset password.” You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Still have questions? Shoot us an email!

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QUESTIONS ABOUT HAFLINGERS
Are Haflingers horses or ponies?
Haflingers are horses! Although many may measure as “pony height” or under 14.2 hands for various disciplines, they are considered a horse breed.

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?
Nope, not even HAF of one! Haflingers are really pocket-sized warmbloods!

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?
When Haflingers were developed, they were originally a small, refined, warmblood-type horse. However, during the World Wars, Haflingers were needed as packhorses for the military, so they were bred to produce horses that were shorter and heavier type horse.

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?
Haflingers are not palomino at all! Their unique coat color is actually chestnut with a flaxen modifier for the mane and tail. Because the chestnut and flaxen are both recessive, both traits are consistently passed down when Haflingers are bred. Haflingers also usually have a Pangare or “mealy” coat modifier, which is apparent when their legs, bellies, and nose are lighter in color than their bodies.

(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?
Tirol issues the rating seal liz. to top Haflinger stallions that stand out as a result of 2 ½ years of natural herding, with impeccable social behaviour, strength of character, good nature, performance capacity and willingness.

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.

Still have questions? Shoot us an email!

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HAFLINGER SWAG SHOP
How soon will I get my stuff?
All of our fabulous swag items are custom printed just for you when you place an order, but most items will head out the door on their way to you within three business days. Your pony express tracking number will be emailed to you when your goodies ship!
What is your return policy?
All of our fabulous swag items are custom printed just for you when you place an order, so we’re unable to accept returns. Size charts and fitting information are available for all items of apparel so you can shop with confidence, but if you need to exchange for a different size, please email us. We’re happy to process exchanges, but you’ll be responsible for shipping costs on the replacement item as well as shipping costs incurred on your original shipped for free item. Sales are final on all non-apparel items, because we just know you’ll love them!
Still have questions? Shoot us an email!

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QUESTIONS ABOUT AHA! JUNIORS
Is there anything for kids?
Of course! We might be all about celebrating the kids-at-heart, but we have special place just for the actual kids too! Read all about our AHA! Junior Horsemanship Program here.
What is the age limit for AHA! Junior Membership?
AHA! Junior Membership is open to those 18 and under. Your age on January 1 of the calendar is year is your age for 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?
Just upload your submissions here!

Contests are awarded quarterly, and your submission will automatically be entered for the quarter during which it was uploaded.

Still have questions? Shoot us an email!

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QUESTIONS ABOUT PROGRAMS: Charming Challenges
How much does it cost?
We have a variety of ways to have fun!

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.

Learn more about all of our challenges here!

What do I win?
Winners of each week’s Facebook Photo Fun contest receive a distinctive camera charm.

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?
Facebook Photo Fun contests don’t require any registration. Just follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss out! Photo contests are posted each Sunday, and the winners are announced the following Sunday.

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!
Due to the nature of, well, anything in a barn, AHA! is not responsible for charms lasting forever, getting lost, or being eaten by Sassy. It’s probably with that lost horseshoe that’s still somewhere in the pasture. Or that missing sock.

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.

Still have questions? Shoot us an email!

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QUESTIONS ABOUT PROGRAMS: Golden Horse Competitive Year-End Awards
How much does it cost?
Annual enrollment for each horse and exhibitor team is $25.
What do I win?
Besides mega bragging rights, in each division, the Champion Golden Horse (and their human) will receive a neck sash, and choice of custom halter or jacket. Reserve Champion will receive a neck sash. Big honkin’ rosettes will be awarded through tenth place.
How do I register?
Click here to register!
What division am I in?
There are four different divisions for awards:
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?
A separate enrollment is required for each horse and exhibitor pair, and enrollment must be received prior to point accumulation. There is no limit to the number of Haflingers a person may enroll, or number of people a Haflinger may enroll. Horses shown as multiples earn points individually (for example, if the two horses in a pair or team were both enrolled, BOTH horses would individually accumulate the points earned based on class placing).
When does the award year start and end?
The 2021 award year runs from March 1 through December 31st. Going forward, the award year will run from January 1st through December 31st. Exhibitors must be an AHA member and enrolled the Golden Horse program at the time points are earned.
How do I calculate points?
AHA’s unique weighted point structure (see charts below) helps create a more level playing field by balancing points earned in different disciplines based on the event, number of entries, score, or distances involved. Points are weighted to account for variations between disciplines, and a successful weekend competing should be equally rewarding no matter your discipline!

View the point calculations here

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?
Click here to submit your 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.

Still have questions? Shoot us an email!

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QUESTIONS ABOUT PROGRAMS: Haffie Hours Recreation Rewards
How much does it cost?
Nothing extra! Participation is included FREE with your AHA Membership.
What do I win?
Earn a commemorative charm and certificate with each hourly milestone! Awards are presented at 50 hours, 100 hours, 250 hours, 500 hours, and 1,000 hours.
How do I register?
Click here to register!
Can I enroll with more than one horse? Can I a horse participate with multiple people?
A separate enrollment is required for each horse and human pair, and enrollment must be received prior to point accumulation. There is no limit to the number of Haflingers a person may enroll, or number of people a Haflinger may enroll. Horses worked as multiples earn points individually (for example, if the two horses in a pair or team were both enrolled, BOTH horses would individually accumulate the hours earned when driven together).
How and when do I submit hours?
Click here to submit your 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

Still have questions? Shoot us an email!

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