The Haflinger also known as the Avelignese is a breed of horse developed in Austria and northern Italy during the late 19th century. Haflinger horses are relatively small are always chestnut in color have distinctive gaits described as energetic but smooth and are well-muscled yet elegant. The breed traces its ancestry to the Middle Ages and there are several theories for the breed's origin. Haflingers were developed for use in mountainous terrain and are known for their hardiness.