Although the Falabella is the world's smallest horse, it is not a pony. They have all the features of a horse scaled down, rather then pony proportions. They are true miniature horses.
The Falabella originated in Argentina. Julio C. Falabella acheived a herd of well-structured horses less then 40 inches high. The family sought to improve the breed and began to introduce small thoroughbreds, Welsh ponies and Shetlands, among others. Successive generations of the Falabella family have raised very small horses significantly more harmonious in form then their predecessors and reduced the height to the present standard of less then 30 inches.
There are a wide range of colors for this breed, mainly black or brown, but also pintos, bays and chestnuts. However, there are no Appaloosas in this breed.
Falabella vary in looks according to what types have been used in their individual backgrounds. All have narrow, short bodies, with two fewer ribs and vertebrea then other horses and ponies. Their legs are long and fine, but are sometimes not particularly straight, which is a weakness breeders are trying to improve.
Falabellas cannot be ridden, but they are appealing and affectionate pets. The smallest horse on record was a miniature named Little Pumpkin tha stood just 14 inches high and weighed only 20 pounds.
