Falabella Horse Information

The Falabella is a perfectly scaled down miniature horse.

When many people see the tiny size of the Falabella, they assume they must be looking at a pony. But despite its diminutive size, the Falabella is actually a perfectly scaled miniature version of a full-sized horse. There are many miniature horses in the world, each with its own unique history and story, but the Falabella is unique and rare. In fact, the Falabella is so rare that there are only 900 of these horses registered by the Falabella Miniature Horse Association.

Falabella History

Falabella horses originated in Argentina, where they were bred for both their beauty and their tiny size. Through years of careful selective breeding, the Falabella miniature horse breed has remained pure. The Falabella horse is represented by its own breed association, the Falabella Miniature Horse Association. This organization is charged with making sure that the breed stays true to the original vision of its Argentinian founders.

Falabella Types

Falabella miniature horses are true horses and not ponies, meaning that even the tiniest examples of the breed retain the structure and proportions of a full-size horse. The Falabellal can be any number of types, from stock horse types that look like miniature American quarter horses to Arabian and thoroughbred types.

Falabella Sizes

The size of the Falabella horse varies but smaller varieites always are highly prized. Small size alone, however, does not make a quality Falabella horse. Rather, it is the combination of small stature and correct conformation that sets the breeding quality Falabella apart and helps to perpetuate the health and vitality of this unique breed. Falabella horse owners typically breed toward the "Class A" standard--a standard reserved for horses that are between 28" and 34" tall at the withers.

Showing the Falabella

One of the goals of the Falabella Miniature Horse Association is to promote the breeding and showing of top quality Falabella horses. Since Falabella horses are still so rare, the number of shows devoted to the breed is small. Falabella horses can be registered with other miniature horse organizations, where they are eligible to compete in a number of events, including trail classes, obstacle courses and driving.

Finding a Falabella

Finding a purebred Falabella horse is a challenge, given its rarity. Prospective horse owners can often find cross-bred horses that are a combination of Falabella and more traditional types of miniature horses. As with any horse purchase, care should be taken and buyers should look for a horse that has excellent conformation and an even temperament. Throughout the years, Falabella breeders have tried to ensure that their stock is sound, of good temperament and free from genetic defects. Good Falabella breeders, including those that produce outcrosses, maintain these quality standards in every horse they produce.

References

• Falabella Miniature Horse Association