Haflingers are a breed of horses that are renowned for their beautiful long and blonde manes.
Meet Storm, an 8-year-old mare who has become one of the most popular horses on Instagram with over 30,000 followers. Her wavy golden locks that are more than 3 feet in length are surely a sight to behold.
The beautiful steed, which looks like one from a fairytale, has even earned the nickname “Rapunzel.”
Naomi Beckers, a student and entrepreneur from Limburg, Netherlands, bought the horse from its owners around 2016. She was enticed with the gentle curls falling elegantly over Rapunzel’s shoulders.
Interestingly, Beckers also has the same blonde wavy hair and thus this could’ve been one factor that brought them together.
Apparently, Beckers decided that she would keep Storm’s hair long and strong, and thus hasn’t cut it since the mare was 2 years old.
However, it has been braided occasionally, keeping in mind the animal’s safety.
Gijsberts said, “Some Haflingers do have wavy hair, which is often most visible when they are still young and have shorter manes.”
But she added, “However as their manes grow longer their waves usually straighten, unlike their tails which often stay wavy throughout their life.”
She also explained, “When Storm was about three years old she already had manes that passed her shoulder—from that point on they were no longer cut and always kept in braids to protect them.”
Both the horse and its owner look so photogenic as they pose together on their popular Instagram account.
The pictures also depict the magnificent steed completely serene and contented with her owner.
Netizens can’t seem to get enough of this popular duo.
All those who’ve come across the stunning pictures are simply left in awe.
While another said, “Wow, stunning horse!”
A third one, who was blown away by Storm’s hair, commented, “Beautiful hair.”
The pictures, a majority of which are captured in beautiful locations across the country, seem to have a postcard-perfect feel to it.
With the wind fanning the hair of the gorgeous mare, it makes us wonder if the mare and its owner are in a fairytale setting.
From the pictures posted by Beckers on Instagram, it’s clear that she and Storm share an incredible bond. In one of the posts, the proud owner wrote: “You and your horse. Her strength and beauty. Your knowledge, patience, determination, understanding and love.”
“That’s what fuses the two of you onto this marvelous partnership that makes you wonder.... ‘What can heaven offer any better then what I have here on earth?’” she further added.
The Haflingers are a breed that originated from Austria. Trained to work in the mountainous region of their native land, they were used as a packhorse and in forestry and agriculture. Halfingers are used in various activities, such as light draft, harness work, combined riding, therapeutic riding, and athletic events.
While there are hundreds and thousands of Haflinger horses out there in the world, Storm is surely one of a kind. She exudes the grace and poise that makes her stand apart from other horses on any given day.
