The Falabella horse is a unique breed that has gained fame due to its small size. However, the animals cannot be classified as ponies, since they have a well-developed physique. The original appearance of the horses made them extremely popular. They are bred by horse breeders, especially since they are considered unpretentious.
History of the breed
Argentina is considered the homeland of these horses.The Irishman Patrick Newtall, who lived in this country, began breeding this breed. Hard and painstaking work helped him create a herd of horses whose maximum height did not exceed 75 centimeters. Subsequently, breeding work was continued by Newtall's son-in-law, Juan Falabello. At first, he crossed ponies with animals that his father-in-law bred. To preserve the size of the pony and the gracefulness of the horse, small specimens were used for selection.
Description and characteristics of the miniature falabella horse
Small falabella horses have many advantages. They are characterized by a calm disposition and beautiful exterior.
Character
These horses have a good character. They are capable of becoming a person’s true friend immediately after meeting them. Animals get along well with children. They can be used to teach children how to ride.
Appearance
Horses are characterized by an elegant physique, which is distinguished by ideal proportions. They are distinguished by a medium-sized head, long neck and slender legs. In appearance, the animals resemble Arabian horses. They are also similar to Gaunter horses.
Horses are characterized by a convex chest and a tucked belly. Mares are distinguished by a slightly sagging back in the lumbar region. At the same time, stallions have a moderately arched back. The skin is thin. It is covered with dense wool, which has a smooth and shiny surface. Horses have a long tail and the same mane.
Height and weight
The growth of animals reaches 40-75 centimeters. It is worth considering that the offspring are smaller than the parents. Adult horses weigh 30-60 kilograms.
Suit
Horses of this breed can have different colors.
Advantages and disadvantages
These animals love human company and are highly trainable.The advantages of the breed include the following:
- patience - these horses can be used as guide horses;
- ease of care - horses are often bred by inexperienced farmers or breeders;
- high intellectual abilities – due to this, the training process is significantly simplified;
- good life expectancy;
- calm character.
The negative aspects of the breed are due to the peculiarities of its physique. These include the following:
- fragile skeleton and low draft force - these features do not make it possible to use the falabella for complex physical work;
- congenital intestinal problems - observed in some individuals, which requires a special diet;
- Difficulties with breeding - horses have difficulty with childbirth.
Care and maintenance
Falabella is considered an unpretentious breed that does not require much attention. But this does not mean that pets do not need care. Like other animals, horses require love and care. These horses love nature. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in an open pen. Thanks to this, horses can frolic in the fresh air. It is advisable to organize a stable near the paddock. Thanks to this, pets can independently distribute the time they spend under a canopy and in nature.
The Falabella breed is susceptible to disease. Therefore, in winter, horses need a warm stable. It is recommended that the room be well insulated so that there are no drafts. Maximum heat should be maintained in the stable. It is also worth ensuring that horses have constant access to hay in winter. It is best to cover the entire stable with it. When breeding animals, it is worth monitoring the condition of their fur, which is especially important during the molting period, which occurs at the beginning or end of winter.
Nutrition
For full development, Falabella horses require optimal proportions of calcium and phosphorus. The ratio of elements should be 1:0.75. Violation of proportions provokes calcium deficiency. As a result, there is a risk of rickets and other abnormalities. The menu for horses should be based on fresh herbs. Horses also require a sufficient amount of hay. It is best to feed falabella oat stubble. At the same time, you should not give wheat to horses of this breed.
In summer, animals are recommended to organize free grazing in the pasture. In winter, they need to be given a sufficient amount of boiled vegetables, vitamins, and concentrated grains. It is recommended to feed animals with such products twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.
Animals should also be given apples and other fruits, which contain many valuable components. However, such products will have to be introduced very carefully to avoid the development of allergies. If undesirable reactions occur, such food will have to be abandoned. Constant access to clean water is important. If the animal moved intensively, it is recommended to drive it at a calm pace for half an hour. Only after this can the horse drink water.
Diseases and their treatment
If there are a large number of animals in the stable, it is recommended to carefully monitor their health status. Diseases and parasites spread quickly in close quarters. To prevent infections, it is worth ensuring high-quality ventilation and adequate heating. This will help to avoid massive damage to horses by respiratory diseases.
Timely vaccination of animals against tetanus, influenza and other common diseases is of no small importance.
Breeding
The mare's pregnancy lasts 13 months.This is considered a feature of animals of this breed, since the period of gestation of foals by representatives of other species does not exceed 11 months. Insemination of animals occurs artificially. At the same time, the main gene is characteristic of the breed. If you cross an ordinary mare with a Falabella stallion, a miniature animal will be born. The foal recognizes its mother by smell. If there is a person near the baby during childbirth, a serious emotional attachment may arise. The foal will consider him his relative.
Mares take care of their babies for the first four months. Subsequent care is limited to milk feeding, which lasts 10 months. The height of these horses at birth reaches 40 centimeters. During the first year of life, the foal gains independence. A three-year-old animal is already considered an adult.
From childhood, foals are distinguished by their curiosity. From the first days they are interested in the older inhabitants of the stable. Moreover, kids prefer acquaintance in the form of a game. Babies are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, they must spend the night in the stable. At the same time, it is worth monitoring the absence of drafts. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing colds. In other matters, caring for the falabella is not particularly difficult. It is no different from caring for stallions of other breeds. Babies need long walks. They also require active play.
How much does a falabella cost?
An adult animal of this breed can be purchased for 250 thousand rubles.
Where is the breed used?
These small horses belong to the decorative category. They are not suitable for riding. The miniature horse is capable of pulling a cart in which 2 children or 1 adult are sitting.More often they are used as a pet. Horses look fragile and graceful, so they should not be used on the farm. Animals also often participate in circus performances. They are easy to train. These horses happily perform in front of a wide audience.
Miniature horses often help people with disabilities. This is due to the calm nature of the animals. In addition, they have a good life expectancy. She often reaches 35-40 years.
Falabella horses are small in size and graceful. They are often raised as pets. Such animals are popular among breeders because they require little care. At the same time, it is worth taking care of the prevention of major pathologies.
