The modern Haflinger stands between 13 hh and 15 hh with a chestnut body and flaxen mane and tail. His body colour can vary from honey coloured to dark red chestnut and he usually, but not always, has a star or stripe down his face. Originally used by farmers to tend their fields and crops, the Haflinger was used extensively by the army to pack armaments through some of the coldest and roughest terrain during the war. After the war, breeding was taken over by the Austrian government, and is now one of the most strictly selective and examined warmblood breeds in Europe.

The first Haflingers were imported to the United States in the 1960’s, with one herd arriving in the state of Washington purchased by the company of Heisdorf and Nelson. The other herd went to Tempel Farms in Illinois. There are now over 10,000 Haflingers in North America, with most imports having arrived from Europe within the last ten years. Breeders who have turned to Haflingers are captivated by their undeniable appeal and people-oriented personalities. They are intelligent, bold, and resilient; they learn quickly and are sensible, all attributes that earns them a place in the world of therapeutic riding, as well as on trails, in the dressage ring, jumping and combined driving.