These are the smallest horses in the world, the breed was developed during the 19th century in Argentina by the Falabella family
. The Falabella spent years breeding the ponys at their outside Buenos Aires. The idea of producing a whole herd of miniature "horses" came from a Irish man living in Argentina, Named Patrick Newtall. He then past his knowledge onto his son-in-law, Juan Falabella, in 1879. He then produced the breed by crossing the 
Shetland with Newtall, later on there were infusions by a very, very small English Thoroughbred and a small Criollo. The smallest and best of the progeny were repeatedly inbred to keep the breed at a size that was below 30 inches. The selective breeding has produced a tendency of having a over-large head, among other problems. Most defects being in the legs and hind quarters. Another interesting fact is that falabellas tend to have 1 to 2 less ribs than other breeds. They come in a large variety of coat patterns and colors, the most popular being spotted or pinto, a throwback from their Spanish heritage. These little horses live a surprising long time, up to 40 years! They are great little pasture buddys and I have even heard storys of them being used as therapy horses, going to hospitals to visit sick children and the elderly. I love these guys, and all I know is that if I had one I would definitely have to sneak him into my 
room!!!
