Whats New at the Australian Haflinger Horse Breeders Association

AHHBA Classification Day 2008

The AHHBA Classification held at Arkley Haflinger Stud on Saturday 13th September 2008 was a success. A record thirty five members and family attended, and the respective hospitality provided by Julian and Anni Hele was most appreciated. The day ran like clockwork with inspection of eight horses, and evalution of five horses by video by classifiers.

About the classification day event...

Classification day is an annual event, where Australian horses over the age of three (3) years as from 1^st August, are scored and graded by the Association’s Approved Classifiers in accordance with the form marked Appendix I, Classification Inspection Report, as set out in the Regulations of the Association.

Classifiers check for any undesirable faults and record information such as height, circumference of cannon bone and girth. The horse is divided into 10 sections and each section is marked out of 10 points, making 100 possible points, which then gives the classification score or grade.

Horses must be micro chipped and if a pass is obtained, may be branded with the “Edelweiss” brand on the near side flank.

Stallions and mares must be classified for breeding purposes. Stallions, mares and geldings over the age of 4 must be classified to attend haflinger classes at agricultural and royal shows.

Video or DVD classification is available to mare owners from out of state as well as those in out lying areas of NSW. Details on how to present your horse at classification and how to correctly present a horse by video or DVD are available by going to the AHHBA web page www.haflinger.org.au click on “download forms” then click on “Regulations of the Association” . Horses must be micro chipped (AHHBA can supply chips and paperwork for the Australian Animal Registry) and the Appendix 2 form must be completed and attached.

Photo classification is available to members with a gelding from the age of 3yo. The horse should be well presented when photographed from front, rear, the near and off side. The horse must be micro chipped and a completed Appendix 2 form attached

Classification Fees for Members Horses (2008)

Stallion $100.00

Mares $70.00

Gelding (presented) $30.00

Gelding (photo) $10.00

Micro chip +AAR registration $20.00

Non-members may also apply.

Stop Press!!! Arkley AUSSIE, one of only 30 to qualify and be accepted for the NSW pony dressage championships at Sydney International Equestrian Centre Horsley Park is competing on Saturday 12 July at 10.30 am and 3pm in Elementary 3.3 &3.4. AUSSIE DID A GREAT JOB AND PLACED IN THESE CHALLENGING TESTS!

Winners and Grinners

Ganmain Show hosted Haflinger classes for the first time. Many thanks to Kerrie for arranging the class to be held. A link to the photographers website, and opportunity to purchase prints of the Haflinger classes is at:

http://www.dmossphotos.com.au/photos/2008/08(aug)/23_ganmain_agshow/main.htm

Congratulations to AHHBA's Karen and Arkley Wilbur who were awarded Champion Horse in Harness on their harness debut at the recent Winter Harness Gymkhana of Hills District Harness Club. Karen went out thinking Wilbur would just be getting used to the idea of other horses being driven and didnt expect to be cajoled into the ring, much less being sashed champion!

What is the Australian Haflinger Horse Breeders Association

Promotions Sub Committee?

The AHHBA has a dual purpose of promoting and breeding of Haflinger horses in Australia. By signficant investment by breeder members, great progress has been achieved in the broadening of bloodlines in Australia in the past twelve months. This investment will be reflected in years to come with the greater diversity of type now achievable.

There is no doubt that more Haflingers are being recognised out and about in all states of Australia with horses being spread increasingly across the nation (and across the ditch). Some features of the breed considered unique is their appearance, easy going nature and their adaptability to different situations. They are considered reliable mounts that are easy to teach, with good constitutions, are surefooted and are suited to a variety of equestrian pursuits. Many new and younger members are keen to enjoy their horses in a variety of club and competition settings and are doing so with success. The AHHBA is now in a position to better serve non breeder members by facilititing group activities that have not been realised before. Formation of the promotions sub committee was proposed Kim Staples at the committee meeting of April 2008 and was warmly received with these facts established.

The purpose of the sub committee is the promotion of Haflinger horses in Australia by facilitating activities, and information for members and enthusiasts. In addition to the three newsletters per year currently produced, the subcomittee presently consisting of Kim Staples, Carla Cady, and Kerrie Rosetta will also produce three updates to communicate dates and details of upcoming events. All submissions kindly welcomed, including details of event programs, points of interest or story requests.

While this promotions subcommittee aims to improve the communication between members and organise more activities, it does not seek to replace the admirable work done my members throughout the year. Our most important meetings and gatherings are hosted by members on their own properties which is thoroughly appreciated. Much time and effort is invested in making these functions as successful and productive as possible.

Most of our members are involved in promotion in one way or another. Every time your horse leaves the paddock, or when a photo is pulled out of an album to show friends, each one of us shares the enrichment with which our horses brings to our own lives. In March a breed display including stand and demonstration was made for three consecutive days at the Royal Easter Show. This was a huge success with some of our youngest horses and riders making a mark on the history of this prestigious event. Every single one of us would have loved to have been there. At Equitana this year, for the very first time, a Haflinger stand will be included. Arrangement of this, donations made and travel pledged is testament to the dedication of each participant and the spirit amongst our members.

This is just the start of what has going on in our association. While many of our breeder members and indeed non breeder members are located in coastal NSW within an area of a few hundred kilometres, initiatives to bring members together have been unifying to some degree. In 2007 a ''whats new'' website was developed in addition to the static website. This did not exhaust members demand for information although I remained the sole editor.

Further initiatives were investigated to motivate members to promote the breed. The first initiative was the Wintersun Performance Award, which was thwarted this last year due to equine influenza. The Wintersun Performance Award will run again starting in September, recognising Haflingers in associations, performance and promotion. Instead, a virtual or photo based competition was promoted, which is currently being judged with horses from NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

On the immediate horizon is a stud tour on the same weekend as classification day, enabling new members in particular to become acquainted with the stallions and youngstock currently being produced in the locality. An itinerary is attached.

Activities being planned for the future include a training day with Rob Horne at Maraylya. Rob Horne is acquainted with Haflingers, having worked with Adonis, Marmaduke and Aspen. I am sure there are more dedicated Haflinger owners out there that are fans, as he certainly knows their buttons! I can assure all Haflinger owners Rob is fabulous value as an instructor and clinician, solving problems or just getting to the next level with your horse in a confident and relaxed manner.

A trail ride or weekend away is certainly on the cards, as well as a gymkhana program. We are currently evaluating possible grounds in which this may be held.

The AHHBA is an association filled with enthusiastic members of all ages, interests and abilities. There is no doubt that in the next few years the popularity of the breed will continue to grow. To maintain this interest for non breeders and breeders alike, opportunities to enjoy our horses as a collective is bound to be a source of enjoyment for all. We look forward to your company and endorsement as the AHHBA aspires to exactly what you desire as a breed association. We rely on your input and contributions to meet this challenge. KS

Show Dates

See Show Dates 2008

Thank you to Louise for compiling this list

Annual Memberships are due July 1st 2008

List of fees

Breeder member $50.00

Ordinary member $35.00

Associate member $20.00

Horse registration $5.00 per horse owned.

Are you wondering which category you and your haflinger fit into?

A breeder member is a person who owns two pure bred mares or one purebred mare and one registered, classified pure bred stallion, and is a breeder who is admitted to membership of the Association.

An Ordinary member is a person who owns or leases at least one registered haflinger purebred (mare or gelding) or haflo-arab mare and who has been invited to become a member by two breeder members.

An Associate member is a person wishing to participate in the betterment of the haflinger breed who is admitted to associate membership of the Association.

All haflinger owners are reminded that you must be a financial member to register foals and attend Agricultural and Royal shows.

Payment of fees should be directed to The Treasurer

Paul Groves

PO Box 218

Wahroonga NSW 2076

Horsey Giftware

I have had an email from Carissa, who owns Antonie to let me know about her horse themed giftware e-store,

www.cowboyconcepts.com.au

Its the cutest collection of horse giftware I have seen in a long while and a beautifully presented website. Cowboy Concepts will be sponsoring articles in our upcoming newsletters.

Newsletter News

Next newsletter is due September/October 2008 including another biography, more translations of news from Europe, more bad jokes, photos galore, virtual show results and much much more.

March 08 newsletter contains eight whole pages of Haflinger news - thats all we can fit in the envelope!! Also available via email.

Equine Influenza Update

Our Own AHHBA Guiness Book Style Records

Announcement of the Promotions Subcommittee

Announcement of the First Virtual Haflinger Show for AHHBA Members

Expressions of Interest for the 2008 Haflinger Stud Tour

International News

Pictures

Stories

Future Dates Planned

Notices

Wintec Pro For Sale

Wintec pro 2000 All purpose saddle

17” black flocked changeable gullet

1yo in new condition

Stirrups, wintec leathers, wintec girth,

wintec blue saddle cover all included.

$650.00 includes postage to anywhere in Australia

Please feel welcome to request photos or ask questions.

Louise Muddle (02)6364 5135

mupot@fastmail.fm

Bunderra Haflinger Stud

Is under new management.

The owners and staff would like to thank you for understanding and patience during the current transition period.

All enquiries should be directed to

Peter Atkinson

0448288206 (bh)

49385529 (ah)

Main Page Update

The main page www.haflinger.org.au is currently being updated to improve site usability. You may notice updated labels, pictures and forms. Suggestions and feedback is most welcome through the links below.

Portrait of Axis, by Aaron out of Marsanne

New Website

Sharon and Paul have informed me that a new website has been constructed for Fernances Creek Haflingers. It features a beautiful layout, pictures and contact details.

www.fernancescreek.com.au

Their stallion, Aaron, is available at stud for $500 + agistment. Aaron is out of Gundl, grand dam Gaby (imp Austria, dec) and by Admiral (imp Holland, dec). Aaron is a prepotent sire producing stock which have the fabulous show ring presence and charisma for which his sire, Admiral, was famous.

Gundl, by Admiral out of Gaby

Stock from Fernances Creek Haflingers have been utilised in riding for children and adults, including pleasure riding, showing, dressage, pony club, carriage driving, draught, jumping and games.

Mischa, by Aaron out of Marsanne

Paul and Sharon can also be contacted by email at sharon.groves@exemail.com.au

AHHBA

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