Smallest Draft Horse Breed: Halflingers
The smallest breed of draft horses is the Halflingers, which were originally bred in England between the 1600s and the 1700s. A popular name at one time for the halflinger was the “Mother Hubbard,” after a famous small half-sized female horse owned by one David Musters.
As of 2011, the world record for smallest horse is Bubba. Her full name is Bubba Yum Yum, and she is a Halfling, a very small breed of draft horse.
This breed is extremely rare, with only about 66 horses left in North America. This breed has been crossed with full-size draft horses in the past with the intent of creating a lighter, but stronger horse for pulling purposes.
Bubba is estimated to be anywhere from 14 to 17 hands tall and could weigh close to 800 pounds.
Smallest Draft Horse Breed: Fjords
The Fjord, which is native to Norway, may be small in stature, but it is huge in heart. The breed has a stocky build, with short legs and a small head. They are working horses that are able to make long trips while carrying a heavier load and still be able to complete a day’s work with ease, despite their size.
The typical height for a fully grown Fjord is between 14.2 and 15.1 hands, with a weight of between 1,000 and 1,100 pounds. They come in either bay or white in color with black points and are not shod since they live out on larger farms where weather conditions do not require it.
Being small and sturdy, this breed is perfect for older children who know how to treat animals with care, making the Fjord an ideal horse for children in search of a pony. They are patient, kind, and resolute. They are also quiet and easy to handle, making them ideal for first-time horse owners.
Smallest Draft Horse Breed: Gypsy Vanners
Draft horses have large bodies, sturdy legs, a heavy and muscular build, and are strong and capable of pulling heavy loads