More than 100 horses and many breeders from all over South Tyrol took part in last Sunday’s parade honouring St. Leonard, the patron saint of horses, in Badia/Abtei – most of them from the surrounding Ladin-speaking valleys. Magnificently decorated carriages, riders donning traditional costumes and tons of live music made for a marvellous sight framed beautifully by snow-covered Dolomite peaks.

And of course Haflingers, too, were well-represented: One float was entirely dedicated to the big anniversary festival scheduled to take place in Sluderno/Schluderns in June 2024 to mark 150 years of Haflinger breeding. A popular give-away: fresh apples, creatively wrapped to advertise the festival – a huge success.

Photos: Freddy Planinschek