Horse breeds / Falabella
Photo: Captain E H Eckholdt · Attribution · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Falabella
The Falabella is a miniature horse developed in Argentina by the Falabella family, who began breeding small horses on their estancia in the late 1800s. It is among the smallest equine breeds in the world, and its development is generally associated with selective breeding for very small size, with its origins traced to small horses of mixed Criollo and Thoroughbred-type stock.
Falabellas are known for an alert, friendly, and people-oriented temperament. They are bright and curious, and many are willing companions for children and adults alike. Because of their size, they are best suited to riders who are small and light, and they are mainly kept as companion animals, show ponies, driving animals, or pets rather than as riding horses for adults.
Day to day, a Falabella needs regular turnout, daily handling, and enough social contact to stay content. They are intelligent and can become bored or mischievous without enrichment. Regular hoof care, dental checks, and a balanced diet suited to a small body are important parts of their routine.
Good for: Families, first-time owners, driving and show enthusiasts
| Size | small |
| Weight | 99–143 lb |
| Height | 22–34 in |
| Life span | 30–40 years |
| Exercise | about 25 min a day |
| Shedding | low |
| Origin | Argentina |
Falabellas are very small but still need full horse care, including dental work, hoof care, and daily handling.
Living with a Falabella
Exercise
A healthy Falabella typically needs daily movement through turnout or light work, around 20 to 30 minutes of ridden or in-hand exercise for those in regular use. Too little activity can lead to weight gain and boredom, which may show up as chewing, pacing, or other behavior problems.
Grooming
Falabellas have a fine, short coat that needs regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hair. Mane and tail should be kept tidy and detangled. Hooves need trimming every 6 to 8 weeks, and the coat can be lightly clipped if needed for work or show.
At home
Falabellas do best with daily turnout on pasture and a shelter that protects them from wind, rain, and heat. They are generally hardy but can be sensitive to cold, so a dry, draft-free stable helps. They should not be kept alone for long, as they are herd-oriented and do better with a companion. Many are easy keepers, so feed should be measured carefully to prevent weight gain.
Training
Falabellas learn quickly and respond well to patient, positive handling. They are commonly trained for in-hand showing, driving, and pleasure work with small riders. A green Falabella may be sensitive and requires consistent, gentle instruction, and their small size means they are usually not suited to heavy work or adult riders.
Health
Falabellas are known for dental problems due to their small mouths, so regular dental checks are important. Like many small or easy-keeping horses, they may be prone to metabolic conditions and laminitis, particularly when overweight. Ask your veterinarian about a health plan suited to your horse.
- Dental problems
- Laminitis
- Metabolic conditions
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Falabella
Forage and water, adult
2–3 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 99–143 lb, and 1–2 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$1,400–$2,900
Hay about $219, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Falabella is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Falabella
Shelters and breed rescues list Falabellas and Falabella mixes every week. Search adoptable Falabellas on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Falabella right for you?
- Yes if you want a small, friendly companion for children or adults
- Yes if you plan to keep your horse with a herd mate
- Think twice if you need a horse that carries an adult rider
- Think twice if you have limited time for daily handling and care
- Yes if you enjoy in-hand showing, driving, or pleasure work
Questions owners ask
Are Falabellas good for beginners?
Yes, they are often good for beginners who want a small, gentle companion. They still need proper daily care, handling, and veterinary attention, so beginners should seek guidance.
How much does a Falabella cost?
Prices vary widely depending on bloodlines, age, training, and location. Speak with breeders and compare offers carefully before buying.
How tall do Falabellas get?
Adult Falabellas typically stand between about 56 and 86 centimeters at the withers, which is under 34 inches and makes them one of the smallest horse breeds.
How long do Falabellas live?
With good care, Falabellas can live into their 30s and sometimes longer. Regular dental, hoof, and veterinary care helps support a long life.
Can adults ride Falabellas?
Most adults are too heavy for Falabellas. They are generally suited to small children or as driving and in-hand show animals.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.