3 minute read
Honoring Alabama CHF
By Mae Yoder
Those of you who have been in the Haflinger world for any significant amount of time are probably well acquainted with the renowned Haflinger stallion Alpen Konig. Alpen was imported by Temple Farms in the 1970's and was later sold to Bob MacArthur of Pattensonville, NY. Joe Stelleta and Tom Nero purchased Alpen fom Mr. MacArthur in 1985. They boarded him at Aden & Betty Miller's Chipmunk Hill Farm located in Apple Creek, OH. Some time later along with a few family members and friends, the Millers bought him. Alpen had many offspring that were well sought after, and he was considered an exceptional Haflinger stallion in his era. Today, they are few and far in between, although easily one of the best Alpen offspring, Alabama CHF, is still with us, continuing to pass on his legacy at the golden age of 27! Alabama CHF was bred, raised and trained by Aden and Betty Miller Family. He is sired by Alpen Konig and out of the mare Blanka who at the time was also owned by them. Alabama CHF is AHR silver classified at 78 points, exceptionally trained in all disciplines, and known as an athletic powerhouse in anything and everything he did. He was Aden's personal trail and go to horse for most everything.
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Alabama CHF's sire, Alpen Konig
In the summer of 2003 Aden passed away suddenly. Betty made the decision to sell all their Haflingers, only keeping one for herself. There was no way she could care for them all on her own. Chipmunk Hill Farm was known to breed, raise and train top quality Haflingers, having Alabama CHF as their foundation stallion, along with many exceptionally well bred mares. With the horses being such a big part of Aden & Betty's lives it made for a sad and difficult farewell. In September of 2003, six of their older mares and Alabama CHF were consigned to the Buckeye Haflinger Sale held in Jefferson, Ohio, along with a few of their offspring. Many Haflinger breeders attended with the intention of buying top of the line Haflingers consigned by Chipmunk Hill Farm. All seven horses sold very well and it took a family effort to make all ends meet. The emotions everyone attending felt as Alabama CHF was lead into the arena will never be forgotten. He was purchased by Theo Hug of Grison Haflinger Farm of Quebec, Canada. Theo is a family friend of Aden & Betty's family. Everyone found comfort in knowing he was going to the wonderful home of a longtime family friend, able to continue passing on his trainability, amazing athleticism and intelligence. Alabama CHF made his home at Grison Farm for 15 years. He made his mark as a Canadian, he was ridden and driven by children and did his part to repre- sent the breed in the north. His offspring, predominately fillies, are known to excel in the performance world, and even in draft world where they are adored for their “drive.” Currently, we don't know of any stallions sired by Alabama CHF.
Aden & Alabama CHF enjoying a trail ride
photo credit Sharon Leisure
In 2014 Theo decided it was time for Alabama CHF to return to his homeland in Wayne County, Ohio due to some minor health issues that seemed to come with the harsh Canadian winters. After coming to an agreement, Betty and her son Orley headed to Canada to bring Alabama CHF home. Theo always felt like he longed for his Ohio residence. Being in Ohio for the last few years, Alabama CHF is living the good life in retirement, happy and healthy. He may not be the latest model of a Haflinger stallion, with his more short and compact conformation. But still, at the age of 27, he is a beautiful example of a purebred Haflinger stallion with a lasting legacy that will go on for years to come.
Theo and Angelina Hug saying goodbye to their friend before he headed back to Ohio
