Falabella

The Falabella is an Argentine miniature horse breed developed by the Falabella family from very small horses found on the Pampas and later refined through selective breeding. Although it stands far below ordinary horse height, it is usually described as a miniature horse rather than a pony because breeders select for horse-like proportions. Mature animals are often under 34 inches at the withers, with fine bone, a small head, and a balanced body when well bred. Solid, pinto, and spotted coats occur, and the breed's small size has made it known far beyond South America.

Keeping a Falabella is still horse ownership, just on a smaller scale. It needs safe turnout, company, hoof trimming, dental checks, vaccinations, and a diet controlled for an animal that gains weight easily. Most are suited to companionship, in-hand showing, agility-style classes, therapy visits, and light driving if trained and physically mature; they are not riding horses for older children or adults. Buyers should avoid choosing by height alone, since excessively tiny individuals may have dental crowding, limb deviations, or foaling difficulty. Pedigree records can be useful because genuine Falabella lines are distinct from general miniature horse populations.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White