Any views on Haflingers?

[Frangipan1979]

Been offered to go and see one as a potential loan. Only come across one before and it was awful - kicked and really ill tempered. Realise that could be a one off but just wanted to ask if anyone else has any experience of them, good or bad?

Btw it's for me, an adult, fairly novice.

Well they are known for being opinionated. No personal experience though.

Yes,they are strong willed from what their owners have told me.I was talking to a lady out hunting on a beautiful Haflinger mare and she said that when she was good,she was very good,but when she wanted to go,nothing would stop her.Poor lady had 2 glasses of port before they set off to give her dutch courage.

You need AlpinePony. She has one.

My neighbour has two . One is gorgeous , calm , kind and safe . That's her daughter's pony , which is the older of the two . The other one, which my neighbour is still sorting out , is bolshy, bargy, and treats post and rail fencing ( and electric fencing! ) with total contempt . She was a rescue pony though from inexperienced owners who apparently let her get away with murder. She's a lot better than she used to be though. I've only found her in with my two three times this year ..

Thanks.
Was having second thoughts as I am only a novice and lots of people say Halfingers are not good novice ponies.
I have been to see this one now and it seemed fine when I was there, good manners to handle and ride. Going to see it a few more times before I commit to the loan to make sure that wasn't a one off. I can be firm but don't have the experience or confidence to deal with a really bolsy pony! I think it has been handled quite well and the owner has had lots of professional guidance and takes her ownership very seriously so might be the case that she has taught it good manners.
Do you think I should just judge pony on its own merits rather than make judgments based in breed?

Yes, judge the pony on its own merits, and remember that any pony will take liberties if you let it. As long as you stay consistent with how the owner handles it you should be fine. And Haflingers can be lovely to ride, they're just a bit strong, but so are all the chunky breeds

Thanks everyone says they are strong but this one didn't seem strong at all to ride, it seemed to have good brakes etc!