Small horse breeds are known for their beauty and unique characteristics. These miniature horses stand between 50.8 cm and 114.8 cm, or 8.5 to 14.25 hands.
People from all around the world love smaller horses instead of full-sized horses because horses like the Shetland Pony or Welsh Pony require less space and are easier to take care of.
These horses are also hard-working, gentle, intelligent, and quite fun to be around. For children and new riders, these horses make a perfect transitional ride because they are lighter, and the distance to fall when dismounted is much shorter.
They give young riders time to grow accustomed to riding, build confidence, and take control of their mount without fear. Anything less than 14.2 hands is considered a pony, but some breeds measure even shorter than 1m.
So, let’s take a closer look at the top 7 smallest horse breeds, where they come from, and what makes them special.
1. Miniature Horses
Miniature horses are one of the smallest horse breeds known for their physical characteristics. Speaking of the term miniature horse, it is not a specific breed—it encompasses a wide range of smaller animals.
These horses first appeared in Europe in the 17th century, winning the hearts of royal families in England and Wales.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, these horses were used to work in collieries, but today they are mostly kept as companion animals. They are too small for riding, and these gentle-natured horses love outdoor space to run free.
The height of these horses is typically under 8.5 hands or 34 inches, and never more than 9.5 hands (38 inches). These horses weigh around 150 to 350 pounds.
The life expectancy of these horses is usually 25 to 30 years, which is more than larger horses. Their physical traits include a variety of colours like black, white, palomino, bay, and chocolate.
These horses are often used as therapy animals, companion pets, and service animals because of their gentle, calm, and friendly nature.
Thanks to their strong and muscular build, these horses can also pull carts, compete in obstacle courses, and even do some jumping. You can see these attractive animals without riders competing in shows and events like halter and trail riding.
2. Noma Pony
The Noma Pony is a native horse breed that originates from Shikoku, a main island of Japan. This tiny animal is considered one of the smallest horse breeds. It was first found in the 16th century, but now it is a critically endangered breed with only a few remaining in existence.
It is not popular around the world, but in Japan, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime find. At Noma Uma Highland, a special reserve, around 20,000 visitors come each year to witness this tourist attraction.
Once used as a pack animal during the Second World War, the Noma now mostly lives in zoos, farms, or isolated remote islands, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. With low numbers and a rare status, these horses are considered one of the rarest in the world.
Despite its small size, the Noma is known for its strong, agile build, and physical traits like thin legs, oblique buttocks, and a cylindrical body. It pleases everyone with its temperament and hardworking nature.
Its height ranges between 10.75 hands (43 inches) to 13.75 hands (55 inches), and its usual weight is around 450 pounds. It comes in different colours like brown, bay, and chestnut.
Back in time, through selective breeding, these small horses, who were less than 12 hands tall, were left with local farmers, while larger horses were taken for battle. These small horses were mostly used for steep terrain, crossing narrow paths, and supporting agriculture on the island.
3. Shetland Pony
The Shetland Pony is a small, compact breed with a rich history. It hails from the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland. It has gained significant popularity in Europe and beyond, especially as a starter pony for children.
These ponies were bred about 4,000 years ago. Compared to their size, they are considered one of the most powerful breeds. They have broad heads, short legs, and thick coats, which are perfect for harsh climates. These ponies are known for their strong personality, courageous spirit, sturdy build, and lush mane and tail.
They usually stand between 71 cm (7 hands) and 106.7 cm (10.5 hands), with American Shetlands reaching 11.5 hands (46 inches). They weigh around 400 to 500 pounds, but they can pull double their weight. You can see these amazing ponies’ coats in different colours like black, white, brown, chestnut, grey, and even green, except for Appaloosa-like patterns.
In coal mines, this amazing miniature animal was used to pull carts, ploughs, and even to carry peat. It was also used for agricultural work, but now is mostly seen in riding programs, helping children build confidence and companionship. These ponies are perfect for beginners, as they have a witty, smart, caring, and gentle temperament.
4. Guoxia: The Orchard Pony Rediscovered
The Guoxia is a small and sturdy pony known for its ability to thrive in tough living conditions. It originates from southern China, and during the dynasty period (around 1279), it was well-known in Debao, Tianyang, and even Xinjiang.
This rare breed was rediscovered in 1981 after being thought extinct for many years. This dedicated little horse was traditionally used in orchards for carrying baskets of fruit, which is why it is named Guoxia, meaning “under fruit tree horse.”
It has amazing physical traits like pointed ears, a short neck, deep chest, and strong hooves, making it well-suited for farms and harsh conditions. Despite their small size, they have incredible endurance and energy.
The Guoxia stands at about 10 hands (101 cm) in height. The colour of their coat can vary, with shades of bay, roan, and grey being the most popular.
This friendly and hardworking horse has a great temperament, making it a wonderful companion for young riders. This quiet little horse is now mostly seen in the zoo of Jinxi. This small breed is perfect for small-scale farms and for children to learn riding.
5. The Falabella Horse
The miniature horse Falabella is a rare and elegant breed. This small breed was developed by the Falabella family in Argentina. Its roots go back to Juan Falabella in the mid-19th century.
This pony was selectively bred using stock like Iberian, Andalusian, Criollo, Thoroughbred, and Shetland ponies. These strong lines helped preserve a pure bloodline, passed down by Spanish breeders from South America.
The Falabella has a height between 63.5 to 86.4 cm (6.25 to 8.5 hands) and a weight of 40 to 100 pounds. Despite its compact size, it has an impressive build. Its structure is slender, with a large head and a thick, smooth, sleek coat.
They come in a variety of colours, commonly black, with spot color patterns. This breed is known for being agile, strong, and docile. It’s perfect as a companion for children and kids, and it works well as a guide or service animal too.
They’re well trained for pulling carts, riding, jumping, and driving. Yet they remain calm and have an inviting temperament. Because of their small size and easy-to-manage nature, they suit indoor living well. Today, conservation efforts continue to protect this amazing breed. The name Falabella still means something truly great.
6. Icelandic Horse: A Unique and Hardy Breed
The Icelandic horse is a compact and strong breed. It stands about 3 inches shorter than a typical horse. This small breed usually has a muscular build with broad shoulders and stout legs, which makes it incredibly sturdy.
Because of their gentle yet spirited temperament, these ponies are ideal for sheepherding in harsh conditions. The Icelandic horse is famous for its gaited movement called the tölt—a single-footed, four-beat stepping movement—which is perfect for a comfortable ride.
They are best for riding in cold weather because their unique pace allows them to move briskly over rough terrain. Their thick manes and tails help them adapt to cold climates.
These ponies are found in different colors such as chestnut, bay, black, grey, pinto, and roan, which reflect their unique personality traits. Their height ranges from 13 to 14 hands (52 to 56 inches), and they weigh around 730 to 840 pounds.The Icelandic horses are mostly used in farming, particularly for managing animal flocks.
These horses were originally brought to Iceland by Norse settlers and Vikings, who found this breed suitable for long voyages. This breed has an inquisitive, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn nature.Its bone structure, deep chest, and sure-footed nature make it a reliable pony.
7. Norwegian Fjord Horse
The Norwegian Fjord is a small breed known for its strong genetics and rich draft history. Originating over 4,000 years ago, this horse has a deep lineage.
Because of their gentle, calm temperament, they are mostly used for therapy and training programs with children, adults, and even the handicapped.
This breed is admired for its physical traits, which include a short, broad body, arched neck, and thick-haired mane. It has a compact, muscular build with a sturdy frame.
It is used on farms, for plowing, and for pulling coaches in mountainous, agricultural regions. Despite its smaller size, it is capable of carrying adults and working under pressure. Its height ranges from 13.1 to 15 hands (53 to 59 inches), and weight spans 880 to 1,100 pounds.
It is mostly loved for its variety of colours, mostly dun, with unique markings and a flat forehead. The Fjord’s head, ears, and eyes show their native elegance. Whether it’s riding or jumping, the Fjord is a popular choice for families because of its bond of trust. This amazing, honest Regean is always tacked and ready.
Things to Remember
Small horses are wonderful little creatures that bring a beautiful charm to both farms and hearts. These breeds are loved all around the world, whether they are used as therapeutic animals, trusted pets, or hardworking companions.
You should remember that small breeds like miniature horses and Falabellas are best suited for children under 50 pounds. If you are an adult, you should avoid riding these horses. Keep in mind the rule of thumb: a pony should only carry a person (including tack) that weighs no more than 20% of the pony’s weight.
Since Falabellas may weigh only around 40 pounds, riding them can end up hurting their back. Children may also enjoy riding Shetland, or Noma ponies if they’re on the heavier side and in good physical condition. Small horses with a weight of 950 to 1000 pounds can safely carry a person weighing around 170 pounds.