Like every other species, there are many different horse breeds, each unique in its own way. But besides the breed, horses are usually grouped into three types based on their size: Heavy, light, and pony.
Ponies include all breeds smaller than 58 inches. They often attract attention due to their size. Some are too small to be ridden and are kept mainly as pets, while others are ideal for riding, especially for children and beginners.
So, let’s get to know these charming small breeds better. Here’s a list of the 15 smallest horse breeds from around the world!
1. Falabella
Height: 25–34 inches
Weight: 70–100 pounds
The Falabella horse is an Argentinian breed considered to be the smallest breed of horse in the world.
These mini horses are known for their gentle nature, but they can be incredibly smart and curious. Due to their small size, they can only be ridden by the smallest children.
2. Miniature Horse
Height: 30–38 inches
Weight: 150–250 pounds
Miniature horses are popular for their small size and adorable looks. Known for their friendly nature, they’re mostly kept as pets as they’re too small for riding.
3. Shetland Pony
Height: 28–46 inches
Weight: 400–500 pounds
Not only are Shetland ponies one of the smallest horse breeds, but they are also one of the oldest breeds, originating from the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
Though small in size, these horses are strong and very resilient. They are popular for their friendly personality and the fact that they’re easy to keep.
4. Caspian Horse
Height: 40–48 inches
Weight: 400–600 pounds
This Iranian breed, known for its sturdy frame, has short, straight backs and strong hooves that rarely need shoeing. They are critically endangered, making them a rare treasure.
5. Yonaguni Horse
Height: 42–47 inches
Weight: 400–450 pounds
The Yonaguni horse breed is a small horse native to Yonaguni Island in Japan. Though small, these horses are incredibly strong and have great endurance levels. They can be ridden but only by smaller children.
Additionally, the Yonaguni horse is also a critically-endangered breed.
6. Noma Horse
Height: 42–47 inches
Weight: 450–500 pounds
The Noma Horse is another rare, small breed native to Japan, and it’s also endangered. These horses are characterized by strong bodies and incredible agility which allows them to easily travel on difficult mountain terrains.
They’re often ridden by small children, and used for horse therapy thanks to their gentle nature.
7. Dartmoor Pony
Height: 48–50 inches
Weight: 500–700 pounds
The Dartmoor Pony is a horse breed native to England, used for different purposes throughout history.
These horses are small, but their strong construction and stamina are incredible. They were often used as working animals but nowadays, they are used for riding, mainly for smaller children, due to their friendly personality.
8. Exmoor Pony
Height: 47–51 inches
Weight: 700–800 pounds
The Exmoor Pony is a small horse breed native to Britain. They are quite rare but a very adaptable breed. They are characterized by strong bodies, which is why they can be used for different purposes.
9. Eriskay Pony
Height: 48–52 inches
Weight: 650–700 pounds
The Eriskay Pony is a horse breed from Scotland, and they are quite rare. These horses have strong and muscled bodies with big heads and a waterproof coat to protect them from the bad weather.
Though small, these horses are characterized by an easy-going personality and are perfect for children to ride. Besides that, they can excel at various sports disciplines.
10. Asturian Pony
Height: 48–52 inches
Weight: 600–700 pounds
The Asturian Pony is another small but also rare horse breed native to Spain. These horses are characterized by small heads and ears, including long, thick necks with long mane.
They have strong bodies with sturdy hooves suited for harsh terrains. Aside from their appearance, the Asturian horses have a calm temperament and can be easily trained.
11. Hokkaido Pony
Height: 48–52 inches
Weight: 660–770 pounds
The Hokkaido Pony is another small horse breed native to Japan, however, this is the only one that isn’t critically endangered. Compared to their size, these horses are incredibly strong and have amazing endurance.
They are calm and friendly, which is why they’re perfect for small children or inexperienced riders.
12. Welsh Pony
Height: 48–56 inches
Weight: 400–700 pounds
The Welsh Pony is a small horse breed originating from the mountainous region of Wales. These horses are incredibly smart and easily trained.
Because of that and their friendly personality, they’re perfect for smaller children and inexperienced riders. Despite their size, these incredibly sturdy horses can excel at various sports disciplines.
13. Bosnian Mountain Horse
Height: 48–56 inches
Weight: 660–770 pounds
The Bosnian Mountain horse is a small horse breed that is often used as both a pack animal and for riding activities. They’re characterized by strong bodies and sturdy hooves suitable for different terrains.
These horses can appear in several different colors, such as chestnut, bay, dun, gray, palomino, and black.
14. Icelandic Horse
Height: 52–56 inches
Weight: 730–840 pounds
As the name suggests, the Icelandic Horse is a small horse breed, originating from Iceland. Besides being small, these horses are quite incredible.
They have a long lifespan, strong bodies, and a large personality, which is why they can be used for different purposes.
15. Fjord Horse
Height: 54–60 inches
Weight: 880–1100 pounds
The Fjord horses may be small, but they are incredibly strong and agile. They are one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.
Nowadays, they’re mostly used as a harness or riding horse, thanks to their easy-going personality. However, the most amazing thing about these horses is that they’re always dun in color with five different shade variations.