After being featured on Oprah, the tiny Einstein horse became an overnight sensation. But is he truly the world’s smallest horse? Or the world’s smartest horse? If not, then who is? Let’s find out!
Einstein the miniature horse was born on April 22, 2010, at a farm in New Hampshire. With his parents being average-sized at 32 and 30 inches tall, he surprised everyone when he arrived at a mere 6 pounds and 14 inches tall, setting a world record as the smallest newborn horse.
(To learn more about the world’s smartest horse, keep reading!)
Is Einstein still alive?
Yes! He was moved to Wahington by his co-owners, Charlie Cantrell and Dr. Rachel Wagner, but has since returned to New Hampshire.
How tall is Einstein the horse now?
He is 24 inches tall at the withers and weighs approximately 80 pounds.
How old is Einstein?
He is currently 13 years old. With miniature horses having an average lifespan of 25-35 years, it is hoped that Einstein still has many years ahead of him.
What is Einstein the horse doing now?
After his appearance on Oprah, he had a fast-track fame. Einstein now has his own Facebook Page, Youtube channel, Twitter, and Instagram account.
He also has a website, Smallest Stallion, where you can find the latest media releases, games, and more.
His co-owners have written a children’s book, A Friend for Einstein, the Smallest Stallion, that features his story and includes photographs of the many other adorable creatures in his life.
But is Einstein the smallest horse ever?
No! In 2001, a dwarf miniature horse named Thumbelina was born in Missouri. She matured to only 17 inches tall and weighed 57lbs, receiving the title of world’s smallest from Guinness World Records. Sadly, Thumbelina passed away in 2008.
Prior to Thumbelina, a miniature horse named Black Beauty held the record at a height of 18.5 inches.
Who is the smallest horse in the world for 2022?
The title of smallest living horse in the world goes to Bombel (aka. “Bubble”) from Poland who stands 22 inches.
What about Koda?
Koda, another dwarf Minatrue Horse, is Australia’s smallest horse at 23 inches tall.
So what makes Einstein so special?
Unlike the Thumbelina and Bomel, the current record holders, Einstein is perfectly proportioned just like a full-size horse. Dwarf miniatures typically have undesirable conformation, according to the breed standard, and many face severe health issues due to their disproportionate body. Einstein is not a dwarf, just a pint-sized horse!
He also made headlines at only 2 months old when he suffered a spinal cord injury. Einstein broke another record as the first (and only) horse to undergo surgery by a canine specialist neurosurgeon.
The risky surgery was a success and his life was saved!
Is there another Einstein horse?
Yes. Not to be confused with the very tiny equine, there was also a thoroughbred stallion named Einstein born in 2002. Originally from Brazil, he was imported into the US where he had a successful racing career with over $2.9 million in earnings.
Is Einstein the smartest horse?
No, unfortunately neither of the Einstein horses are known for their high intelligence level, despite their names!
So who is the world’s smartest horse?
Beautiful Jim Key is thought to be the most intelligent horse in history. He performed across the US in the early 1900s with his trainer, William Key. It was said he could read, write, and even do basic math.
Miniature Horse Facts
- They were originally developed in the 1600s, to work in coal mines and as pets for nobility.
- To be registered with the American Miniature Horse Association, they must not exceed 34 inches in height.
- There are over 200,000 registered miniature horses and they are now a common American Horse Breed.
- Not to be confused with ponies, they are actually considered one of the many types of horses.
So while Einstein horse may not be the world’s smallest or smartest, he has managed to capture the hearts of many!
Maybe world’s smallest non-dwarf??? I’ve wondered if he was premature.
Author
Yes! I think that would be a fair title 🙂