Smallest Horses

This week we are looking at the smallest horse breeds there are around a dozen common small breeds.

Smaller-stature horses stay smaller their whole lives and mature quicker than larger horses. The smaller breeds tend to be more stoic and intelligent than larger horses, which can also mean they’re often more stubborn and independent-minded. Usually, the larger the breed, the more docile the mount.

Smaller horses and ponies are powerful. They can pull or carry heavy loads with more strength than a horse, relative to their size. They are often hardier than horses and can withstand greater ranges in temperature. Their coats tend to grow thicker in the winter and have thicker manes and tails and their hooves tend to be tougher. They are heavier boned and shorter legged in proportion to their bodies compared to horses.

                                                             A Falabella Horse

Some small horse breeds are the Falabella, Shetland Pony, Noma, Yonaguni, Fjord, Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Class B and American Quarter Horse to name just a few.

A Noma Horse

There is a difference between a small horse and a miniature horse. While a “small horse” generally refers to a horse that is smaller than average, a miniature horse is a specific breed or type of horse known for its diminutive size, usually under 96cm or 38 inches tall. 

                                                    A Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse 

A small horse is one that is smaller than average in height, but still falls within the general horse size range. A small horse would be under 14.2 hands which is 144cm or 57 inches.

 A Miniature Horse is a breed or type of horse specifically bred for its small size, they typically measured in inches rather than hands, miniature horses are generally no taller than 96cm or 38 inches (9.5 hands or 96.5 centimetres). 

They have the physical characteristics of a horse, but they are very small, often resembling large dogs in size. They are generally not ridden by adults due to their size and are often used as guide animals or companion animals. 

Miniature horses have gained popularity as pets and even as service animals, with some being trained as guide animals for the visually impaired. 

So, a “small horse” is a broad term referring to any horse that is smaller than average, while a “miniature horse” is a specific breed or type of horse known for its very small size, usually no taller than 96 cm or 38 inches. 

If you are an adult and plan to ride these smaller horses, there are two breeds to cross out entirely: miniature horses and Falabellas. Only small children–no heavier than 22kg or 50 pounds—should ever ride these tiny horses. The rule of thumb is a pony can carry a person and including tack that is 20% of their weight.

Since Falabellas are the smallest horses—some only weighing about 18kg or 40 pounds—those ponies should never be ridden for fear of hurting the pony’s back. Children can also ride Shetland ponies, Noma, and Yonaguni breeds, but only if the horse is on the heavier side and in good physical condition. If you are a heavier person, upwards of 77kg or 170 pounds, make sure the pony or small horse is at least 430 to 452kgs or 950 to 1000 pounds; it should be able to carry your weight safely.