This is not a special effect, but a living, breathing, trotting miniature pony. And it’s just saddled up a record as the world’s smallest horse! Standing at only 18.5 inches high, Black Beauty has snatched the record from Hope, a 21-inch high black miniature horse. The new record holder belongs to Donald and Janet Burleson, of North Carolina, USA, who reckon the five-year-old horse is their perfect pet. “she’s so tiny we have to keep her separate from the other miniature horses in case they injure her. We like to let her come in the house. She eats popcorn and watches TV with us,” says Donald. The couple, who own a farmstead with 12 Arabian horses and 15 miniature horses, are currently training 10 tiny ponies to guide the blind. “They’re extremely friendly, intelligent and have a phenomenal memory. The other advantage is that they can live to be between 25 to 35 years – much longer than the average lifespan of a guide dog,” remarks Donald. The undersized equines are raised mainly in Argentina where they are known as Falabellas. The American miniature horse is a blend of many bloodlines and does not have a recognized breed standard. On hearing the news that Black Beauty has cantered into the record books, Donald said, “we’ll have a pony party. Black Beauty has a real sweet tooth. We’ll make her an apple pie and give her some candy!”
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