Falabella horse: description and characteristics of the breed, rules of keeping

The Falabella horse is a unique breed that is known for its small size. At the same time, animals cannot be classified as ponies, since they differ in a fully developed physique. The original appearance of the horses made them extremely popular. They are bred by horse breeders, especially since they are considered unpretentious.

History of the breed

Argentina is considered the birthplace of these horses. The Irish Patrick Newtall, who lived in this country, began to breed this breed. Hard and painstaking work helped him create a herd of horses, the maximum growth of which did not exceed 75 centimeters.Subsequently, Newtoll's son-in-law, Juan Falabello, continued breeding work. At first, he crossed ponies with animals that his father-in-law brought out. To maintain the size of the pony and the gracefulness of the horse, small specimens were used for selection.

Description and characteristics of the Falabella miniature horse

Falabella small horses have many advantages. They are characterized by a calm disposition and a beautiful exterior.

Character

These horses have a good nature. They are able to become a true friend of a person immediately after they meet. Animals are great with children. They are allowed to be used to teach riding to toddlers.

Appearance

The horses are characterized by a graceful physique, which is distinguished by ideal proportions. They are distinguished by a medium-sized head, a long neck and slender legs. In appearance, the animals resemble Arabian horses. They also look like gonther horses.

Horses are characterized by a convex chest and a taut belly. Mares are distinguished by a slightly sagging back in the lumbar region. At the same time, stallions have a moderately arched back. The skin is thin. It is covered with dense wool, which has a smooth and shiny surface. Horses have a long tail and the same mane.

Height and weight

The growth of animals reaches 40-75 centimeters. It should be borne in mind that the offspring are smaller than the parents. Adult horses weigh 30-60 kilograms.

Suit

Horses of this breed can have different colors.

Pros and cons

These animals love human company and are excellent learners. The advantages of the breed include the following:

• patience - these horses are allowed to be used as guide horses;
• unpretentious care - horses are often bred by inexperienced farmers or breeders;
• high intellectual abilities - due to this, the training process is greatly simplified;
• good lifespan;
• calm character.

The negative aspects of the breed are due to the peculiarities of its physique. These include the following:

• fragile skeleton and low draft force - these features make it impossible to use Falabella for complex physical work;
• congenital intestinal problems - observed in some individuals, which requires a special diet;
• breeding difficulties - horses have difficulty delivering.

Care and maintenance

Falabella is considered an unpretentious breed that does not require much attention. But this does not mean that pets do not need care. Like other animals, horses need love and care.These horses love nature. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in an open pen. Thanks to this, horses can frolic in the fresh air. It is advisable to organize a stable near the corral. Thanks to this, pets can independently distribute the time spent under a canopy and in nature.

The Falabella breed is prone to disease. Therefore, in winter, horses need a warm stable. The room is recommended to be well insulated so that there are no drafts in it. Maximum heat should be kept in the stable. It is also worth making sure that in winter the horses have constant access to hay. It is best to cover the entire stable with them. When breeding animals, it is worth monitoring the condition of their coat, which is especially important during the molting period, which occurs at the beginning or end of winter.

Food

For the full development of Falabella horses, optimal proportions of calcium and phosphorus are required. The ratio of elements should be 1:0.75.Violation of proportions provokes calcium deficiency. As a result, there is a risk of rickets and other anomalies. The menu of horses should be based on fresh herbs. Horses also require a sufficient amount of hay. It is best to feed the Falabella with oat stubble. At the same time, it is not worth giving wheat to horses of this breed.

In summer, animals are encouraged to organize free grazing in the pasture. In winter, they need to be given a sufficient amount of boiled vegetables, vitamins, concentrated cereals. It is recommended to feed animals with such products twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Also, animals should be given apples and other fruits that contain many valuable components. At the same time, such products will have to be introduced very carefully to avoid the development of allergies. If adverse reactions occur, such food will have to be discarded. Equally important is constant access to clean water. If the animal was moving intensively, it is recommended to drive it at a calm pace for half an hour.Only after that the horse can drink water.

Diseases and their treatment

With a large number of animals in the stable, it is recommended to carefully monitor their he alth. Diseases and parasites spread quickly in a cramped room. To prevent infections, it is worth providing good ventilation and sufficient heating. This will help to avoid the massive defeat of horses with respiratory diseases.

Timely vaccination of animals against tetanus, influenza and other common diseases is important.

Breeding

A mare's pregnancy lasts 13 months. This is considered a feature of animals of this breed, since the period of gestation of foals by representatives of other species does not exceed 11 months. Insemination of animals occurs artificially. In this case, the breed is characterized by the main gene.If you cross an ordinary mare with a Falabella stallion, a miniature animal will be born. The foal recognizes its mother by smell. If there is a person near the baby during childbirth, a serious emotional attachment can occur. The foal will consider him his relative.

Mares take care of their babies during the first four months. Follow-up care is reduced to breastfeeding, which lasts 10 months. The growth of these horses at birth reaches 40 centimeters. During the first year of life, the foal acquires independence. A three-year-old animal is already considered an adult.

Foals from childhood are distinguished by curiosity. From the first days they are interested in the older inhabitants of the stable. Moreover, kids prefer acquaintance in the form of a game. Babies are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, they must spend the night in the stable. At the same time, it is necessary to control the absence of drafts.Otherwise, there is a risk of developing colds. In other matters, caring for a falabella is not difficult. It is no different from caring for stallions of other breeds. Babies need long walks. They also need active play.

How much does falabella cost

An adult animal of this breed can be purchased for 250 thousand rubles.

Where is the breed used?

These small horses belong to decorative ones. They are not suitable for riding. A miniature horse is able to carry a cart in which 2 children or 1 adult are sitting. Most often they are used as a pet. Horses look fragile and graceful, so they should not be used on the farm. Also, animals often participate in circus performances. They are easy to train. These horses are happy to perform in front of a wide audience.

Miniature horses often help people with disabilities. This is due to the calm disposition of animals. In addition, they have a good life expectancy. She often reaches 35-40 years old.

Falabella horses are small and graceful. They are often raised as pets. Such animals are popular with breeders because they are undemanding to care for. At the same time, it is worth taking care of the prevention of major pathologies.

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