A straightforward and fitting format

The participants (left to right): Manfred Canins, Roland Morat, South Tyrol Young Haflinger and Noriker Breeders' Association Chairwoman Sabine Stuefer, Vice Chairman Richard Gamper, Priska Kelderer, Nicola Metzger, Federation Chairman Erich Messner, South Tyrol Haflinger Sports Association Chairman Richard Plack, Federation Director Michael Gruber, Luca Marini and Evelyn Tarasconi (Photo: Armin Mayr)

On Monday 1 April, a number of stakeholders from the Haflinger community met for a round table event at the Federation headquarters.

In an informal and unbiased discussion, the group debated a wide range of topics in light of the diverse background of those present. The leitmotif of the lively get-together turned out to be the positioning of the Haflinger breed in South Tyrol and of South Tyrolean Haflinger horses on a world-wide scale. With a multitude of constructive contributions, the discussion opened up some new perspectives on the status quo and future of Haflinger horses in breeding and sport. A key point that stood out all the way through: The work of the Federation, which has succeeded in establishing a consolidated cooperation with the South Tyrol Haflinger Sports Association and the South Tyrol Young Haflinger and Noriker Breeders' Association as partners, is greatly appreciated.

The many different stakeholders, who took a very active and outspoken part in the discussion, unanimously expressed their interest in a stronger network among the existing South Tyrolean elements in horse breeding and equestrian sports, with the aim of bringing together all interests in the medium to long term. On the one hand this ensures continuity, while on the other hand it opens up new paths and fields of action in which the tried-and-tested elements can be promoted in a targeted fashion.

The round table debate has brought forward a series of exciting and constructive results – a successful format that will certainly be continued.