A while back I wrote about Noddy, the world's biggest horse. Now, I will introduce you to Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse.
Thumbelina is a dwarf miniature horse, born at a miniature horse farm in Missouri. She was only 11 inches (that's 2.3 hands) tall and weighed 8.5 pounds at birth. That is what I call tiny.
She is now 17.5 inches (4.1 1/2 hands) tall and currently weighs 58 pounds. She is recognized by the Guiness Book of World records as the smallest horse in history.
Thumbelina eats only 1 cup of oats and a handful of hay for breakfast and dinner. Her favorite place to sleep is in a dog house instead of a stall.
Thumbelina's job is important, though. She visits many children around the country at hospitals, special camps and schools, group homes and shelters and brightens their day.
I wouldn't mind having a horse like Thumbelina around in my backyard. She doesn't eat much and is easy to care for.
That is superb! How cute too! It's like 40% eyeball and 60% horsey.
Randall:
She certainly is a cutie! :-)
She is a total doll. I would love to have my own tiny horse. I only have a half acre and a horse like this would be ideal! I love that she is cheering up sick children in hospitals. it just goes to show even a tiny animal can have a job that helps people. Thanks for the post!
Betina
Hi Brigita, My daughter volunteers at a therapeutic riding program where kids with severe/moderate muscle control problems get to ride in this program. Seems the gentle rocking motion of the ride stimulates all the right muscles and nerve connections. The kids absolutely it ( and my daughter has learned some pretty good lessons along the way ! ).
Betina:
Animals do wonders for humans. I personally wouldn't mind having her in my back yard, either. :-)
Bill:
It's great that your daughter volunteers with the therapeutic riding program. I had volunteered a few years with the handicapped riding program. I truly enjoyed seeing the improvements the handicapped riders made over time.
Brigita:
Great post. I love the photos! One of my favorite horsey quotes is "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." - Winston Churchill. I volunteer with Naples Equestrian Challenge, a therapeutic riding program and one of our most popular barn residents is a mini named Garth. Horses + Therapy = Magic!
Have a great day! You've certainly brightened mine.
Since she is only 11 inches, you could probably keep her even if you only had a small yard.
Brigita, I guess that between Noddy and Thumbilena, you have the long and short of the horse tales...
Thumbelina sure is an easy keeper. I bet her owner doesn't spend too much effort to muck out the dog house either.
Maxine:
Winston Churchill was so right. Whenever I need cheering up, I can always count on my horse.
Good to hear that you volunteer with the therapeutic riding program. I was a volunteer for a while with a handicapped riding program and loved to see the improvements of the handicapped when they were with the horse. I have to agree, horses do have some sort of magic.
Have a great week! :-)
Linda:
I know of a number of people that would love to have her in their yards. ;0)
Michael:
I guess I do! LOL
Sabrina:
I would say Thumbelina is a "low maintenance" horse when you compare it to my big 16.2 hand Thoroughbred. LOL
She brightened my day :) If I ever got a horse I think I'd go with a mini as well.
Jennifer:
Horses of any size tend to do that. :-)
If you're just looking for a horse for companionship and you don't have a lot of room, a mini is a great choice.