Reliable companion of human Falabella horse
The Falabella horse amazes ordinary people not associated with horse breeding with its size, since the representatives of this breed are considered the smallest in their family. An adult animal is no more than 76 cm (30 inches) tall. Breeding work to secure the main traits was carried out in Argentina. It lasted more than a dozen years, from the second half of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century.
The history of the appearance of miniature horses
The Falabella horse breeding program started back in 1868 by Patrick Newall. In his work, he used representatives of the local Criollo livestock.
Particular attention was paid to the following parameters in breeding:
- general elegance and sophistication in appearance;
- balanced, proportional physique;
- the acceptability of the types of different breeds found in the Falabella.
His work was continued by Juan Falabell, who supplemented the experimental herd with Welsh and Shetland pony, other small horses. Thanks to imbreeding, he achieved his goal, the growth of animals decreased.
The official breed register was established in 1940 by Julio C. Falabella, a descendant of Juan. He also set out to stabilize the horses' height. The breeders have achieved good results and set the modern standard - 76 cm.
Dwarf horse Falabella and its main characteristics
Small horses look great. They are all well built, they have beautiful legs, correct bite, clear big eyes. Due to the proportionality of the articles and the balance of the body, they do not get sick so often, they easily perform the tasks assigned to them.
Their positive qualities:
- easy learning;
- fidelity;
- tenderness to the owner;
- calm demeanor;
- restrained temperament.
These smart and affectionate animals can live in good conditions for up to 40–45 years. Their physical characteristics:
- strong neck;
- short, muscular back;
- oblique shoulder blades;
- steady feet;
- ears are medium in size.
The color of small horses can be monochromatic, of all kinds of colors and shades. Genetically determined pinto and appaloosa patterns are common. Red and black leopard-like spots are not often seen.
Character and behavior
Mini horses have good jumping ability. They are happy to overcome various obstacles and barriers, they love to jump over rough terrain. Their run can be very long and quite fast.
Falabella horses are extremely loyal to their owners, and they follow all their orders very diligently. They are friendly and good-natured, love to communicate with children who can ride them, as well as adults and the elderly. Therefore, they are used as guides and during animal therapy. They are happy to entertain the whole family, they are considered favorite pets or the best companions for single people. Adorable foals are especially fond of.
Falabella horse nutrition
Dwarf horses need clean drinking water available 3 times a day. In winter, animals sometimes prefer snow. Solder them immediately before feeding. The selection of food is the same as in the diet of an ordinary horse, but you should constantly be careful not to overfeed the tiny Falabella. Otherwise, troubles will not be avoided. Overeating oats may result in a rash and itching and eczema.
Animals require pasture... They need to move, for one individual, 40 are (acres) of a flat surface with grass will be enough. The animals sleep a little, but the rest of the time they completely devote to the production of food. This is why a walking meadow should be fairly sparse and clean. Chemical fertilizers or organic matter should not be applied. If grazing continues in winter conditions, additional meals are required.
In the morning and before going to bed, the animals are given hay, to which vegetables, concentrates containing essential minerals and vitamins are added. Once a day, mini-horses are treated to several apples or carrots. For pregnant and lactating females, a special diet is required; their diet is tailored to their needs. Foals and one-year-old horses also need enhanced nutrition for normal skeletal development and adequate muscle gain.
If the horse cannot find enough food in its usual grazing area during the cold season, it will try to eat undersized bushes of dried grass and may swallow soil or sand. Because of this, she may develop colic. It is better to keep the Falabella horse in the stable during the winter season.
Conditions of detention
Healthy animals are not too sensitive to cold, but when combined with high humidity - wet snow, thick fog, rain, the situation can become disastrous. During this time they are left in the stall.
Stable area for a dwarf horse doesn't have to be huge. For one individual, 2x2.5 m is enough. Hay is laid on the floor. The premises are cleaned daily.
Besides:
- there should be no sharp objects on the pasture and in the stable, otherwise the horse will get hurt;
- hay nets must be removed, since it is possible that Falabella will get stuck with hooves;
- it is better to drink not from buckets, since they are often overturned, but from special automated drinkers.
The pasture should be fenced off. A fence made of wooden posts and boards will do. Installation of various electrical barriers is possible. But chains cannot be used, horses can damage their hooves.
The pasture must be regularly cleaned of poisonous plants. Falabella horses should not have access to juniper berries, conifers, yew (dachshund) thickets.
Don't forget about hooves! They must be systematically checked and removed pebbles and sharp objects that have fallen into them. If the hooves are not cleaned of adhering dirt, sand and feces in time, an inflammatory process can begin. An inspection of the blacksmith is required once every three months.
Taking care of your fur is an important part of Falabella's hygiene. They love to swim, they love being brushed. If the horse has a short haircut, then in winter and spring it should be covered with a blanket on top. At a temperature of -12 ℃ and below, animals are not taken out of the stall.
Breeding features
The main difference between the smallest horse breed in the world and taller individuals is the period of fertility. For them, it lasts for 13 months, while in ordinary horses only 11. The growth of newborn babies is about 40 cm. By the year the foal is quite independent, and by three it is considered fully developed.
If there is a person next to the baby that has been born, the foal will perceive him as a member of his family. He can follow any horse passing by, so his mother guards him jealously and does not allow anyone to approach.
Vigilant care of the mother ends within a month. After 10 months, she stops letting him near the udder, and if the foal insists on feeding, she repels it with her hooves.
Most horse lovers acquire these friendly and cheerful horses as pets. They create excellent living conditions, take care and take care of. However, the cost of such crumbs is no less than that of ordinary thoroughbred horses.