May Day miracle foal becomes one of Ireland's smallest horses
Bealtaine, who stands just over 24 inches tall, was running around the fields at home on Parkdotia Ranch in Tallow, Co Waterford, yesterday just days after surviving a long and difficult birth.
His mother, Mollie, lost a twin during the marathon labour overnight on Saturday before Bealtaine finally arrived safe and sound just before lunchtime on Sunday May 1.
“He was one of twins, but we lost the other one which probably explains why he is so small,” his thrilled owner Margaret Murphy said.
“But he’s flying now. He’s leaping around the fields like a newborn lamb. He’s just so, so special.”
Bealtaine is a Falabella, one of the smallest breeds of horse in the world — a breed which came originally from Argentina and which seldom stand taller than eight hands, or 32 inches.
His parents, who both hail from Cork, are a little shorter than the average Falabella.
Ms Murphy said she sourced Mollie, who is now four years old and 28 inches high, on DoneDeal from a seller in Bandon, and she bought Jacksie, aged seven and just 20 inches high, from a farmer in Bantry.
“I got the mare last year and decided to breed her. I knew the foals were due at the weekend and I stayed up all night on Saturday, and there was nothing,” she said.
“I went to bed at about half six Sunday morning and got up at 11am to check, and still nothing, so I went back to bed again.
“But when I went into the stable at 12.45pm to check again, there he was.”
Bealtaine was born with a jet black coat but his legs turned grey on Monday. Ms Murphy said he’s thriving, and she’s already noticed a stretch in his 14-inch long legs.
“They’re the longest part of him. He’s fierce long legs but his body is only the size of a small dog,” she said.
He spends his days running around as fast as his short little legs will carry him, with his friends — fellow Falabellas, the geldings Billy and Charlie — who are towering several inches over him.
He is due to get his first injections in just over a week, and he will spend the next nine months suckling from his mother. His expected lifespan is up to 35 years.
Ms Murphy previously bred a smaller-than-usual miniature Falabella in 2007.
But after she was diagnosed with cancer, she was unable to care for 17-inch tall Patsy during her treatment regime and he was re-homed by a donkey sanctuary.
Ms Murphy, who also has 10 dogs and several cats, said people are welcome to visit her ranch free of charge over the coming days to see Bealtaine.
Most Falabellas are considered intelligent and easily trainable. But because of their size they can only be ridden by very small children.
Falabellas can be taught to drive a cart, to jump obstacles up to three feet high, and they can also be used as guide animals.
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