The smallest horse breeds are typically classified as those that stand 14.0 hands or less at the withers. To give you a little perspective, a hand is equal to four inches. So, a small horse would be around 56 inches or less in height.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 smallest horse and pony breeds in the world that will wow you.
1. The Falabella Horse
The Falabella is often referred to as the smallest horse breed in the world. These small horses are so small that they can comfortably fit in the palm of your hand. They typically stand between 28 and 34 inches tall. Falabella horses weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. The Falabella is known for its gentle temperament and docile nature.
The Falabella horse is an Argentine breed that was developed in the late 1800s. They are considered a rare breed and are not often found outside of Argentina.
2. Shetland Pony
The Shetland Pony is a small horse breed that is native to the Shetland Islands. These ponies stand between 32 and 42 inches tall. Shetland Ponies weigh between 100 and 200 pounds.
The Shetland Pony is known for its hardiness and strength. They are popular mounts for small children because of their small size and gentle temperament.
The Shetland Pony was first bred in the 1700s by crossing Scottish ponies with Norwegian ponies. Today, there are over a million Shetland Ponies worldwide.
3. The Miniature Horse
The Miniature Horse is a small horse breed that stands between 24 and 34 inches tall. The smallest Miniature Horses weigh between 75 and 125 pounds.
Miniature Horses are used for driving, riding, and as pets. They are known for their intelligence, good temperament, and sturdy build.
The Miniature Horse is the smallest horse breed recognized by the American Miniature Horse Association. They were first bred in the early 1900s in the United States. There are now over 73,000 Miniature Horses registered in the United States.
4. The Icelandic Horse
The Icelandic Horse is a mini horse breed that stands between 13 and 14.2 hands high. Icelandic Horses weigh between 330 and 440 pounds.
Icelandic Horses are used for riding, driving, and as pack horses. They are known for their good temperament, sure-footedness, and strength.
The Icelandic Horse is the smallest horse breed recognized by the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses. They were first bred in Iceland over 1000 years ago. There are now over 250,000 Icelandic Horses worldwide.
5. The Connemara Pony
The Connemara Pony is a mini pony breed that stands between 12 and 13 hands high. The pony breed came from Ireland and is now found all over the world. Connemara Ponies are used for riding, driving, and as pack animals.
Connemara Ponies are known for their good temperament, sure-footedness, and strength. These small horse breeds come in a variety of colors, including bay, black, chestnut, dun, gray, roan, and white. There are now over 20,000 Connemara Ponies worldwide.
6. The Welsh Pony
The Welsh Pony is a small pony breed that stands between 12 and 14 hands high. The small ponies come from Wales, the United Kingdom, and can now be found all over the world. Welsh Ponies are used for riding, driving, and as pack animals.
Welsh Ponies are known for their friendly nature and good temperament. They come in a variety of colors, including bay, black, chestnut, dun, gray, roan, and white. The Welsh Pony is a popular small breed for children and adults alike.
There are now over 20,000 Welsh Ponies worldwide.
7. The Morgan Horse
The Morgan Horse is one of the most popular tiny horse breeds in the world. The Morgan is a small, versatile horse that is used for riding, driving, and racing.
The Morgan Horse stands between 14 and 15 hands high. The horse breed comes in a variety of colors, including bay, black, chestnut, dun, gray, roan, and white.
The Morgan Horse is known for its good temperament and easy-to-handle nature. It is popular with both children and adults. There are now over 750,000 Morgans worldwide.
8. The Fjord Horse
The Fjord Horse is a small, sturdy horse that is used for driving and riding. The Fjord Horse stands between 13 and 14 hands high. The horse breed comes in a variety of colors, including chestnut, gray, palomino, roan, and white.
The Fjord Horse is known as an extremely hardy horse with a friendly nature. It’s one of the Norwegian tiny horse breeds that came from the mountainous regions of the country. There are now over 350,000 Fjord horses worldwide.
9. The Yonaguni Horse
The Yonaguni Horse is a small, rare horse that is found on the island of Yonaguni, Japan. This small horse stands just 12 hands high and comes in a variety of colors, including bay, black, chestnut, gray, and roan.
The Yonaguni Horse is known for its gentle nature and easy-to-handle disposition. Such smaller horse breeds are used for riding and driving. There are only about 350 Yonaguni Horses in the world today.
10. The Noma Pony
The Noma Pony is a small, rare pony that is found in the Noma region of Cameroon. This small pony stands just 12 hands high and comes in a variety of colors, including black, bay, chestnut, and gray.
The Noma Pony can live up to 20 years and more. The Noma Pony is one of the rarest pony breeds in the world. There are only about 500 Noma Ponies in the world today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Smallest Horse in the World?
Thumbelina, a miniature horse from Sweden, is the smallest horse in the world. She stands just 26 inches tall and weighs only 30 pounds.
2. What Is the Smallest Stallion in the World?
Einstein, a miniature horse from the United States, is the smallest stallion in the world. He stands just 26 inches tall and weighs only 60 pounds.
3. What Is the Smallest Horse Breed in the World?
The Falabella is the smallest horse breed in the world. These horses stand about 28 inches tall and weigh about 75 pounds.
4. What Is the Smallest Pony Breed in the World?
The smallest pony in the world is the Shetland Pony. The Shetland Pony stands just over 36 inches tall and weighs between 250 and 400 pounds.
5. What Is the Smallest Draft Horse?
The smallest draft horse in the world is the Belgian Draft Horse. The Belgian Draft Horse stands just over 18 hands high and weighs between 1600 and 1800 pounds.
6. What Is the Smallest Warmblood Horse?
The smallest warmblood in the world is the Dutch Warmblood. The Dutch Warmblood stands just over 16 hands high and weighs between 1200 and 1400 pounds.
7. What Is the Smallest Thoroughbred?
The smallest thoroughbred in the world is the American Miniature Horse. The American Miniature Horse stands just over 34 inches high and weighs between 250 and 350 pounds.
Top Small Horses Revealed
Here’s a list of the smallest horse and pony breeds in the world, in no particular order. Although they may be small in stature, these horses are big in personality. These breeds make wonderful house pets or companion animals. If you’re looking for excellent family horses, one of these breeds is sure to fit the bill.