A group of Michigan Haflinger owners met informally in September of 1985 at the home of Bob & Bea Wallace, with the idea of investigating the formation of a Michigan-area Haflinger association. Its sole purpose would be to promote the special and lovable Haflinger breed.

Five months later on February 8, 1986, 27 people attended the first official annual meeting. Officers were elected and a constitution adopted -- forming the Great Lakes Haflinger Association.