Leahy’s Farm gees up for grand entrance of tiny horse

There were no long faces at Leahy’s Open Farm after a tiny new arrival provided a big gee up to the Cork centre.

Born to doting mother Snowy, the newborn miniature horse could be the smallest in Ireland, measuring just 19in (about 48cm) in height.

The pint-sized foal is a Falabella miniature, one of the smallest breeds of horses in the world which are often, incorrectly, classed as ponies.

Even fully grown, Falabellas very rarely measure more than 32in.

The breed is considered intelligent, easily trainable, and friendly towards children.

Since the new arrival has yet to be named, Teresa Leahy from the farm said they are currently looking for suggestions from the public.

“He’s a tiny little black foal with a white diamond mark on his forehead, so maybe his appearance will have something to do with the name he gets.”

The smallest horse in the UK, Acer, measures 22in in height, while the smallest horse in the world, the aptly-named Thumbelina, is just 17in and lives in the US.

Teresa said the little horse will be a huge attraction in the run up to Christmas.

Tomorrow, the farm launches its Halloween extravaganza “Boo” which features a haunted hayride, a zombie infested forest, and a disco-dancing witch.

The farm also confirmed their Santa’s Village will return again this year with a new indoor play barn.

-For more information, go to www.leahysopenfarm.ie