Horse
Pronunciation:
fa-la-ˈbel-lə
Breed Description:
The Falabella breed of horse is a diminutive light harness breed developed by the Falabella family in Argentina in the early 1900s. With its fine bones and slender legs, Falabellas are generally considered miniature horses rather than ponies. They are not ridden, although they are sometimes driven. The Falabella breed of horse typically has a large head and deep body. They are similar to Thoroughbreds or Arabs in their conformation, with a sleek coat and a slim frame. At the same time, they do have some cob-like features from pony bloodlines, including sturdy bones and a thicker mane and tail. Falabellas' hooves are narrow with an oval shape, and their gaits are energetic and free. Falabellas are most frequently black or brown, but may also be pinto, bay, palomino, or chestnut. The Falabella breed of horse is genetically fixed, so -- unlike for some other miniature horses -- natural reproduction yields offspring that are true to size and type. Veterinarians examining Fallabellas have found that they are missing at least one lumbar vertebrae and as many as three pairs of ribs. Interestingly, Falabella mares carry their foals for 13 months, two months longer than other horses and ponies.
Temperament:
The Falabella breed of horse has a gentle, docile temperament and is easily trained.
Height:
The Falabella breed of horse stands 6 to 8 hands high.
Health Problems:
There seems to be some discrepancy regarding health issues associated with the Falabella breed of horse. Falabella supporters contend that the horse has retained the rusticity of its forebears, and is highly disease-resistant and hardy. Others, however, suggest that Falabellas' inbreeding has rendered the horses delicate.
Living Conditions:
Opinions are divided on the Falabella breed of horse: some maintain that Falabellas are easy keepers, able to withstand harsh conditions without special care. Others, however, view them as delicate and in need of a great deal of care and attention.
Life Expectancy:
The Falabella breed of horse is extremely long-lived, often reaching 40 to 45 years. Falabellas are reputed to remain fertile into advanced age.
Grooming:
The Falabella breed of horse requires regular grooming, which means cleaning its coat, combing out its mane and tail, picking out its hooves, and keeping its dock, eyes, muzzle, and nostrils clean.
Origin:
The origin of the Falabella breed of horse can be traced to the Andalusian horses brought to the region by the Spaniards. These horses were later left to survive on their own, and by necessity underwent a series of biological and structural changes in order to adapt to their new homeland, with its strong sun, cold winds, fierce storms, and arid conditions. Over time, the horses developed remarkable hardiness and keen instincts.
The Falabella breed of horse was originally developed in Argentina from local horses of Criollo stock, beginning in 1868 with the breeding program of Patrick Newtall. At Newtall's death, the herd and breeding methods were passed to his son-in-law, Juan Falabella. With the introduction of blood from Welsh and Shetland ponies and small Thoroughbreds, and with considerable inbreeding, he was able to gain consistently small size within the herd.
In the 1940s, a formal breed registry was created, and the Falabella Horse Breeders Association has since worked to standardize the breed to reach a consistent height. Today, the standard for the Falabella breed of horse is approximately 30 inches in height. 