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Falabella

Country of Origin: Argentina

Falabella

Image from Crystal Holt

Intro

Named for the family that developed the breed mid-19th century, the Falabella is a rather unique little animal. It is not a natural breed, but rather comes solely from selective breeding.

Falabella

Origins

Around 1835 in the Argentine meadowlands the Pampas tribes found some unusually small animals among their horses. This attracted the attention of an Irishman who got his hands on some and began an experimental selective breeding program. Around 20 years later he achieved success and had a heard of tiny, perfectly built horses.

This legacy was passed on to the Irishman’s nephew Juan Falabella who utilized small animals from English Thoroughbred, Shetland & Criollo breeds. Through rigorously strict breeding methods Juan was able to further his uncle’s work and produce animals with perfect confirmation under 33 inches.

In 1905 the herd changed hands again to Juan’s son who furthered selective breeding & established the breed standard we go by today. These small small horses retain some of the qualities found in the breeds that make up their genetics. The original tiny tribal horses that sparked the interest were Criollos who had adapted to a harsh environment by reducing body mass over generations.

Features

Average height 6.1 – 7 hands
Disproportionately strong for their size

Physique

Don’t have a set confirmation type, they are bred for quality of overall confirmation.

Traditional Colors

All colors

Temperament

Gentle & docile

Falabella

Image from Bill Strong

Use

Showing
Driving
Pets

Falabella Products

Helpful Links

* all links open in a new window
Falabella Miniature Horse Association
Falabella Miniature Horse Index
Falabella Breeders & Owners Society

Where to Buy

Toyland Miniature Horses
Falabella Miniature Horses
Sonspun Farms

Falabella Studs

The Equueleus Falabella
Ancaster Stud
Starmyres Stud

Video

Do you have images or know more about the Falabella breed? I’d love help completing this page, please contact me to get involved.

Country of Origin: Argentina | Colors:
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