The world's smallest horse breed can live almost 50 years

Named after an Argentinian family that developed the breed in the mid-19th century, the Falabella is considered by many to be the smallest horse breed in the world, with an average height of just 70cm.

Some say that the Falabella's bloodline can be traced back to the Andalusian and Iberian breeds that the Spanish conquistadors brought with them to South America.

When the Spaniards were driven out, the horses were left to fend for themselves in a harsh, resource-poor environment.

As a result, in the mid-19th century, smaller hybrid animals were observed in herds in Mapuche, in the southern province of Buenos Aires.

It was these specimens that were specifically bred to produce even smaller animals, which eventually led to the creation of the modern Falabella breed we know today.

The Falabella horse breed has an average height of only 70cm.

Patrick Newtall is officially credited with starting the Falabella breeding program in Argentina in 1868, using local horses.

Upon his death, the program was taken over by Newtall's son-in-law Juan Falabella, who added several bloodlines to the breed including the Welsh Pony, Shetland Pony and the Little Throroughbreads to reduce its size even further. .

In the 1940s, Julio C. Falabella, a descendant of Juan Falabella, worked to standardize the breed and bring its average height below 100cm, while creating an official breed register.

The growing popularity of this Falabella and other enthusiasts subsequently sought to reduce its size even further, to approximately 76cm (including shoulders).

What makes Falabella so interesting is that, despite their small size, they are not classified as ponies, but miniature horses. That's because, in addition to size, they are similar to purebred or Arabian breeds in proportions, as well as thin frames and sleek coats.

According to Falabella International, 'Falabella miniatures are actual horses and not ponies, meaning that even the smallest of the breed retain the structure and proportions of a full-size horse.

In addition to their diminutive size, Falabellas exhibit higher conditions of docility, strength, and adaptability than any other similar horse, and even more than many of their larger relatives.

Endurance tests performed on them show that they are extremely strong, similar to draft horses and larger sized horses.

Falabellas are known to be very friendly, extremely gentle, and very intelligent, which makes them great pets, as well as show animals, as they can be easily trained to pull small objects. and make games. They also have an exceptionally long lifespan of about 40-45 years.

Breeders in Argentina continued programs to reduce the size of the Falabellas even further, and they were able to produce adult specimens less than 50 cm in height (at shoulder).

However, the health of the breed is paramount, and to obtain certain important traits the height of existing specimens needs to be over 70cm.

Although their size makes the Falabella's purpose primarily decorative, this pony has a number of notable qualities.

Having lived in the vast plains (pampas) of Argentina for hundreds of years, Falabella is extremely resilient and quickly adapts to a variety of harsh climates. Its keen instincts also allow it to sense danger from quite a distance.

Falabella horses also do not require any special care or food.