Although the origins of the Falabella will forever be a partial mystery, there are several tales of how this rare breed came to the attention of it human counterparts. One tale is that the Indians, indigineous to the South American Pampas, had these miniature horses living within their herds of Croillo horses for many years. Falabella Miniature Horses have also been suggested to have a closer relationship to Eohippus, the ancient dog-sized horse, than with the larger breed of horses, although many disagree with this theory. Another tale suggests a miniature stallion from the royal courts of Europe was taken to Argentina as a grand and influential gift to some high ranking official, but during transport overland Indians attacked the transporter and the horse escaped. The most credible tale to date is that a European settler, grandfather to the Falabella family of Argentina, came across a Falabella Miniature stallion drinking at his ford. With this single stallion. the evolution of the Falabella Miniature Horse began. This stallion was crossed with various different breeds of horse which had, over time, been imported into Argentina. With the stallions destinctive size reduction characteristic, much smaller horses evolved from these normal sized equine mares. Selective breeding and sale or culling of poor/ oversize stock, up until the mid 1900′s produced the rare phenomena of a horse in miniature – the Falabella Miniature Horse In 1977, Lord & Lady Fisher, of Kilverstone Wildlife Park, visited Senor Falabella at his ranch in Argentina. After discussing their plans for the Latin American Zoo, and desire to create the first Falabella Stud in Europe, Senor Falabella agreed they could purchase four stallions, and some mares, all of the smallest sizes, including some of the rarest colours. Subsequently, three weeks later, these wonderful miniature horses came to reside at Kilverstone South American Wildlife Park, much to the delight of visitors. One of the exquisite stallions to arrive was the beautiful, rare appaloosan stallion, Menelek.
Lord and Lady Fisher over the next two decades raised public awareness of this wonderful breed of horse. They contributed to the Falabella Miniature Horse world enormously both in the United Kingdom, but internationally, and assisted in the creation of the International Falabella Miniature Horse Society. They retired from Falabella Miniature Horse in the mid 1990′s.
The Falabella Miniature Horse is relatively rare. They must conform to the strict height requirement of 34 inches at four years old. This is due to a throwback tendency to the larger horse size. Falabella horses are much more abundant, being anything over 34″, and a lot more inexpensive. You should pay no more than £1250 for an oversized mare, and less for a colt/stallion. However, for a Falabella Miniature Horse, who at four years is under the 34 inches, you can expect to pay £3000 – 5000.
The temperament of a Falabella Miniature Horrse is by reputation excellent, with good manners, and a great desire for human interation and attention. They thrive with training, and are very intelligent.
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