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Haflingers in the Laurentians

This extraordinary experimental farm is, according to Otto Schweisgut, the world's leading authority on Haflingers, the best kept Haflinger farm on the North American continent. It is indeed a special place. Since 1983, selected stallions and mares from the best Austrian stock have been bred to produce a bloodline that is at the top of North American standards. Immaculate stable conditions, high standards of cleanliness and superior diets all contribute to producing a sturdy and healthy animal.

The farm grows its own winter feed using a highly nutritious blend of hay grasses fortified with magnesium sulphate. Nearly 2,000 acres of pastureland provide the farm's Haflingers with an ideal environment reminiscent of their Alpine heritage.

The Breed

The Haflinger breed originated in the South Tyrol of Austria where the difficult mountain terrain demanded an agile and surefooted horse. Modern generations of Haflingers descend from the crossing of a half Arab stallion and a refined Tyrolean mare in the late 1800's. The high quality of the breed has been rigorously maintained by the Haflinger's Breeders' Association of Tyrol. It's strict regulations - based on the principle of "selection" rather than "production" - have ensured the development of an ideal all-round pleasure horse.

The Haflinger has now evolved into one of the world's most sought after pleasure horses. They are calm, good natured, surefooted and willing to work, making them suitable to all equine disciplines.

They are excellent jumpers and easily trained for dressage. With their quiet disposition, they are ideal for trail riding and childrens' programs.

Not surprisingly, this sturdy breed is equally at home as a draft horse. Halflingers are used for all forms of farm work and as pulling teams for sleighs and show wagons.

Today's Haflingers have lost none of the rugged nature of their Tyrolean ancestors and will thrive in areas of great temperature extremes. They can winter outdoors, even in harsh weather, and take well to snowy conditions. Because they eat about half a regular horse's feed, Hafiingers ask relatively little for their generous output of work.

Training

From birth, foals are handled several times a day to develop the innate friendliness of the breed. Serious training begins as soon as they reach the age of three - trail riding, driving, dressage and jumping. Waldeck-U-Lesa Farm has regularly brought in leading Austrian trainers for one to two year residencies, including the world-famous R. Prandstaetter to assure the highest-calibre standard of training.

Waldeck-U-Lesa and Joseph Kuchar

There is far more to Waldeck-U-Lesa than just pretty horses. The inspiration behind this project is self-made businessman Joseph Kuchar. His rigorous standards provide an example and mentorship to all who come in contact with him. This farm contributes considerably to the entire community.

First there are direct economic activities generated by the farm that impact the region. These start with an annual sale of foals by auction which generates important foreign exchange income as well as many foals are sold to American enthusiasts. Several people are employed year around on the farm maintaining the stables and cultivating the land. An annual cut of firewood is made for sale in the region. The farm also provides a testing environment for various agricultural and veterinary products.

The farm has an important educational mission as well. Agricultural students spend time at the farm participating in testing programs and gaining experience. The invaluable mentorship that Jopseph Kuchar is able to impart to many young people by his example is perhaps the most important intangible that comes from Waldeck-U-Lesa. Too often today many things are done without any standard of excellence and it is an invaluable experience to any young person to see things done properly and on a world standard as they are done at this farm.

Moreover the invaluable equestrian training that many young people have received at this farm will be carried throughout their life and spread far beyond the borders of this very special farm located right here in the Laurentians.

For additional information about the Haflingers at Waldeck-U-Lesa, you may contact the farm at 819-686-3323 or Fax at 819-686-1290

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