Much-anticipated and eagerly awaited every year: the big spring-time day on which Haflinger colts from near and far are traditionally brought together and driven to their summer-time pastures high up in the mountains. And this year, it was a very special experience for everyone involved: On Saturday 13 June, 40 Haflinger- and 5 Noriker colts moved into their new "lodgings" on the Soyalm pastures in the Martello/Martell valley, where they will spend the summer months grazing the meadows under the vigilant eyes of Josef and Julia Kaufmann.
Weather permitting and if everything goes to plan, the colts will remain there until it is time to return to the valley on 10 October. After that, the two-year olds will start preparing for the stallion licensing events in early February.
The Soyalm pastures are located at 2000 m above sea-level – and the hike up from the valley proved to be quite strenuous for both the colts and their owners. Visibly proud and satisfied once they'd mastered the climb, they were rewarded with stunning views over the Val Martello/Martelltal valley and its mountain landscape.
Photos: Colt transhumance (FotoArmin.com)
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