Abstract
The aim of this study was, first to assess temperament and behavioural traits in Haflinger horses by implementing a character test into breeding performance testing in South Tyrol and, second, to check the practical suitability and reproducibility of the test procedure used. The temperament and behaviour of the horses are regularly requested by buyers and mentioned as an important purchase criterion. The results indicate a high variability in the character traits of Haflinger mares, which can be considered in the short to medium term for describing the personality and determining the intended use (e.g, pleasure riding, equestrian sports) of a horse. Furthermore, in the long term, the collected information on the character traits of the Haflinger could be used for breeding purposes, provided that sufficient data on the maternal and paternal side are available. Moreover, the results from the first character test indicate that the Haflinger can be described as a calm, interested and work-willing horse breed. The test design used proved to be practical, as on the one hand the data can be collected in an objective and repeatable way and on the other hand the time effort of the test procedure and material costs for the installation of the applied temperament test are moderate to low. Accordingly, the results reveal that an implementation of a character test in the form carried out is reasonable for Haflinger breeding in South Tyrol.