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The tough and hardy Avelignese Pony is said to be the Italian version of the Austrian Haflinger. There are considerable similarities between the two breeds although the Avelignese is bigger, stockier and larger than the typical Haflinger.
The Italian areas most commonly associated with the breeding of the Avelignese Pony include Venetia, Emilia, Bolzano and Tuscany.
The actual name of the Avelignese Pony is directly from the Avelengo region, which has been under Italian control since the year 1918.
All Avelignese Ponies today can trace their ancestory back to the Oriental stallion Al Bedavi, a Shagya Arabian or possibly a Barb, that was purchased by the Austrian Commission on Arabia specifically to refine the breed.
Although historically a farming pony, the Avelignese is an excellent riding pony and is commonly used today in touring and pony trekking companies throughout Italy and into Austria. Their calm and willing temperament make them ideal for even novice riders and, while classed as a pony, they are capable of easily carrying a full grown adult across difficult and mountainous terrain.
Actually a coldblooded breed, the Avelignese has the traditional thicker body, fat insulation layer, small ears and nostrils customary to all northern horse and pony breeds. The Arabian influence can be seen however in more refinement in the head and excellent conformation.
A mountain horse, the Avelignese is very sure footed and is known to be able to pick its way safely over mountain passes. They are also considered to be excellent horses at finding their way home, even if the riders are not sure which direction to take. They are also ponies that tend to stay very close to humans and seem to enjoy the company of people as much as that of other horses.
Like the Haflinger all Avelignese Ponies are the same color, although variations in the tone of the color do exist. All are chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail, with no other colors allowed. White markings on the face are common.
The Avelignese breed was officially recognized in 1874 and continues to have an active stud book that is kept by Corpo Forestale dello Stato in Potzena, Italy. Since many of the Avelignese and Haflingers have been crossed, there is an increasing movement in some areas to combine the breed into one, however there is also strong objection by many breeders as there are differences as well.
The Avelignese, like its close relative the Haflinger, will have naturally very strong hoofs that require very little care or maintenance. Even horses used for tourism are rarely shod as their strong hooves are less slippery and better suited to the rough terrain than slippery metal shoes that might pose more of a safety hazard.
The Avelignese has been traditionally used as an agricultural horse in farming, carting and even in driving. These ponies are amazingly strong and have a fierce determination and excellent work ethic, making them very popular with the farmers in remote areas were tractors simply could not go.
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