Falabella

Looks how to spot one

Sleek, fine coat with a slim, compact frame

The Falabella has the elegant proportions of a full-sized horse, with a refined head, alert eyes and a medium-length neck, but in a tiny package. Its body is small and compact, with a sleek coat and a slim frame, and it has fewer vertebrae and ribs than larger horses.12

Personality what they are like

Falabellas are sweet natured, docile and gentle, making them wonderful companions for children, adults and seniors. They are intelligent and quick to learn, and they enjoy human company. Their calm temperament and ability to adapt to different environments make them excellent therapy and guide animals.256

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Falabellas need space to roam and graze, with a recommended area of 20 to 30 square metres per animal in a corral or open field. They can be trained to pull small carts, perform tricks, and excel in the show ring. They are strong for their size and enjoy being active with their owners.526

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Groom your Falabella at least weekly to bond and check for problems. Use a standard horse grooming kit, with combs for mane and tail, and a grooming cloth for delicate areas. Hooves should be picked daily and trimmed by a farrier every six to eight weeks. Routine dental visits are important for their long lives.42

Home where they are happiest

Falabellas can live in corrals or open fields as long as they have grass, shade and enough space. They are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in diverse climates, from cold winters to hot summers, thanks to their rustic origins on the Argentine pampas.53

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Their basic food is grass, and they rarely need a dietary supplement. They thrive on normal hay and feed, and owners should monitor their weight, as thick winter coats can hide weight loss or obesity.52

Company who they like around

Falabellas are highly herd oriented and social, so they do best when kept with at least one other Falabella. They enjoy human companionship and can be kept as beloved pets, therapy animals or guide horses.26

The story where it all began

The Falabella breed was developed in Argentina from local horses of Criollo stock, which themselves descended from Andalusian and other Iberian horses brought by the Spanish. In the mid-19th century, small, inbred horses were found among the herds of the Mapuche people in Buenos Aires province. Patrick Newtall began a breeding programme with these horses in 1868. After his death, his son-in-law Juan Falabella continued the work, adding Welsh Pony, Shetland Pony and small Thoroughbred bloodlines. Through careful inbreeding, he achieved consistently tiny size. A breed registry was established in 1940 by Julio C. Falabella, and the breed is now recognised by several associations worldwide.123

Recognised by the official bits

Asociación de Criadores de Caballos Falabella

Breed registry established in 19402

Falabella Europe

Breed standard1

Falabella Miniature Horse Association (USA)

Breed standard1