Falabella Miniature Horses at Our Animal Sanctuary
Imagine a horse that fits comfortably in your living room — a miniature marvel with all the grace and elegance of its larger counterparts. Meet the Falabella, an Argentinean breed renowned for being the smallest horse in the world.
Standing between 28 and 34 inches tall at the withers, these pocket-sized horses capture hearts with their tiny stature and gentle nature. Despite their size, Falabellas display the balanced proportions and characteristics of full-sized horses. In fact, they often resemble Arabians, Quarter Horses, or Thoroughbreds in miniature form.
Their compact, sleek bodies come in a wide range of coat colours, including bay, black, palomino, and striking pinto patterns. As a result, each Falabella is as visually unique as they are charming.
If you’d like to learn more about our sanctuary and the work we do, you can visit our About Us page.
The Falabella breed originated in Argentina during the mid-19th century through careful and selective breeding. Over time, these miniature horses became prized for their consistent size, refined appearance, and friendly temperament.
Unlike ponies, Falabellas are true horses in miniature. They retain correct horse proportions, making them especially fascinating to visitors and horse enthusiasts alike.
Falabellas are best known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are calm, friendly, and enjoy human interaction, which makes them particularly popular with families and children.
Because of their size and temperament, they are often used in educational settings and animal-assisted experiences where calm handling is essential.
Despite their small stature, Falabellas are intelligent and eager to learn. They can be trained for a variety of activities, including driving small carts, participating in miniature horse shows, and learning basic groundwork exercises.
With patient handling and positive reinforcement, Falabellas respond well to training and routine.
Owning or caring for a Falabella is a unique and rewarding experience. However, it is important to understand that these miniature horses have specific care requirements.
Their dietary needs differ from those of full-sized horses, and careful feeding is essential to prevent weight-related issues. In addition, their smaller and more delicate bone structure means that correct handling and appropriate environments are especially important.
Our sanctuary is home to two Falabella miniature horses, Connie and Brian. Both are much-loved residents and play an important role in helping visitors learn about rare and unusual horse breeds.
During our open season, visitors are able to meet, groom, and handle Connie and Brian under supervision. For many people, this is a memorable highlight of their visit.
If you’d like to meet our Falabella horses in person, you can find more information on our visiting us page here: Visit Northcote Horses & Animals
As a registered charity, everything we do relies on public support. By supporting our sanctuary, you help us continue to provide specialist care for rare horses like our Falabellas and many other animals in need: Support Our Sanctuary
Although often mistaken for ponies, Falabellas are true horses in miniature form. They have the same proportions as full-sized horses, just on a much smaller scale.
Falabella miniature horses typically stand between 28 and 34 inches tall at the withers. They are recognised as one of the smallest horse breeds in the world.
The Falabella breed originated in Argentina during the mid-19th century. They were developed through careful selective breeding to maintain consistent size and correct horse proportions.
Falabellas are known for their calm and gentle temperament. With appropriate supervision, they can be excellent animals for children to interact with, especially during grooming and handling experiences.
No, Falabella horses are not suitable for riding. Due to their small size and delicate bone structure, they are best enjoyed through handling, groundwork, driving activities, and companionship.
With proper care, Falabella horses can live well into their twenties and sometimes longer. Good nutrition, regular veterinary care, and a calm environment all contribute to a healthy lifespan.
