Miniature Horse Breeds

Miniature Horses are found all over the world and come in various colours and coat patterns. The designation of miniature horse is determined by the height of the animal, which, depending on the particular registry involved, is usually less than 34–38 inches (86–97 cm) as measured at the last hairs of the mane, which are found at the withers. While some miniature horses are the size of a very small pony, many retain horse characteristics and are considered "horses" by their respective registries.

Miniature horses are friendly and interact well with people. For this reason they are often kept as family pets, though they still retain natural horse behaviour and must be treated like an equine, even if they primarily serve as a companion animal.

Although the origins of the Falabella will forever be a partial mystery, there are several tales of how this rare breed came to the attention of it human counterparts.

The most credible tale to date is that a European settler, grandfather to the Falabella family of Argentina, came across a Falabella Miniature stallion drinking at his ford. With this single stallion. The evolution of the Falabella Miniature Horse began. This stallion was crossed with various different breeds of horse which had, over time, been imported into Argentina. With the stallions distinctive size reduction characteristic, much smaller horses evolved from these normal sized equine mares. Selective breeding and sale or culling of poor/ oversize stock, up until the mid 1900's produced the rare phenomena of a horse in miniature - the Falabella Miniature Horse.

The Falabella Miniature Horse is relatively rare and they must conform to the strict height requirement of 34 inches at four years old. This is due to a throwback tendency to the larger horse size.

Falabella horses are much more abundant, being anything over 34", and a lot more inexpensive. You should pay no more than £1250 for an oversized mare, and less for a colt/stallion. However, for a Falabella Miniature Horse, who at four years is under the 34 inches, you can expect to pay £3000 +

The temperament of a Falabella Miniature Horse is by reputation excellent, with good manners, and a great desire for human interaction and attention. They thrive with training, and are very intelligent.