The Smallest Horses in the World

Horses are fascinating animals that are used all around the world for a variety of different activities — from racing to rodeos. With hundreds of different breeds, it is no surprise that they also come in vastly different sizes. In fact, small horses and ponies are incredibly popular animals, as they make excellent children’s ponies while also being strong enough to take on other jobs too. Horses are measured from the ground to the top of their withers, and a horse’s height is typically measured in hands, of which one hand is equal to four inches. However, when it comes to the smaller breeds, it’s actually easier to measure them in inches. So, just which are the smallest horses in the world? Let’s find out!

#8 Exmoor Pony — 50 Inches

The first horse on our list is the Exmoor pony, which is native to the UK and reaches a maximum height of 12.2hh, or 50 inches, at the withers. These ponies are a mountain and moorland breed and were traditionally bred on the Exmoor moorland in Devon. Some semi-feral ponies still roam the moors today, where they have adapted to thrive in the harsh conditions. However, Exmoor ponies have a gentle nature, which makes them excellent riding ponies for children.

#7 Dartmoor Pony — 50 Inches

Similar to the Exmoor pony, the Dartmoor pony is native to the British moorland, with their traditional range being within the Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor ponies have a maximum height of 50 inches but have a stocky, powerful body which makes them suitable for a variety of roles. Although they are more common as children’s ponies nowadays, in the past these ponies were used in both quarries and in mines for hauling loads of rocks.

#6 Welsh Mountain Pony — 48 Inches

The sixth spot goes to the Welsh mountain pony, which is the smallest of the Welsh pony breeds. Also known as the Welsh Section A, these ponies originated in the Welsh mountains of the United Kingdom. However, they can now be found world-wide, such is their popularity as a children’s riding pony. Welsh mountain ponies reach a maximum height of 48 inches and are known for having a stocky body and a small head.

#5 Yonaguni — 47 Inches

At only 47 inches tall and weighing up to 460 pounds, the Yonaguni is definitely deserving of a place on the list of the smallest horses in the world. These horses are native to Yonaguni Island in Japan. Like other horses on this list, Yonagunis were used for farm work and hauling goods over long distances. Today, they are used by instructors for riding classes held on farms and ranches.

#4 Noma — 43 Inches

The Japanese Noma is one of the smallest horses in the world. They can reach 43 inches at the withers and weigh up to 450 pounds. These small horses have compact, strong bodies atop thin legs. They are surprisingly agile and can adapt to harsh environments. In the 17th century, they were used to haul supplies on uneven, rough terrain. Another advantage was that these horses were small enough to fit through narrow spaces.

This wild horse is named after the district of Noma in its native Japan. Unfortunately, the Noma is critically endangered. Their population decreased significantly in the second half of the 19th century due to a regulation prohibiting the breeding of small horses as the country’s ruler wanted to focus on breeding larger horses for the cavalry regiments. There are now only approximately 100 Nomas in the world.

#3 Shetland Pony — 42 Inches

Though Shetland ponies are small, reaching only a maximum height of 42 inches, they are strong, sturdy animals. They weigh between 400 and 450 pounds. They are native to the Shetland Islands in Scotland and their heavy, shaggy coat keeps them warm in the freezing weather. For centuries, these ponies were used for work on farms and even pulled carts in coal mines. Shetlands are also often used for riding, and they are especially suitable for small children as they are a good first pony for young riders.

#2 Guoxia — 40 Inches

The Guoxia is one of the smallest breeds of horses with a very long history. They date back about 2,000 years. Guoxia ponies are native to China, where they were used to haul baskets of fruit in orchards during the harvest. In fact, the name Guoxia means ‘under fruit tree horse.’ Guoxia ponies can grow up to 40 inches tall and weigh up to 300 pounds.

Part of the history of this pony breed includes a long period of time when they were thought to be extinct. Fortunately, a wild horse herd of 1,000 Guoxia was discovered in a small district of China back in 1981. Today, though their population is still sparse, these horses can be found living on farms and ranches in China.

#1 Falabella — 34 Inches

The Falabella is the smallest breed of horse in the world, standing 34 inches tall as an adult and weighing up to 150 pounds. These horses are originally from South America. They are named after the Falabella family that bred them back in the 1940s. Falabellas are intelligent and can sometimes be trained to pull a cart with a small child riding inside.