A therapy horse in Germany has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest living horse, standing at only 21.1 inches.
The measurement places the animal, named Pumuckel, below the previous record holder by nearly 1.5 inches.
According to its owner, Carola Weidemann, she adopted Pumuckel in 2020 when the horse was five months old and approximately 18 inches tall. She told Guinness World Records that she felt completely astonished when she first saw the animal, as she had never seen a horse of such small stature before.
Guinness World Records verified the measurement taken from the top of the horse’s neck, just ahead of the shoulders, and confirmed Pumuckel as the smallest living male horse. The new record replaces that of the earlier, shortest-standing horse.
Pumuckel is a trained therapy horse and makes regular visits to nursing homes, hospices, schools and facilities for disabled individuals.
Weidemann said the horse has a cheerful temperament, enjoys the company of children, responds well to gentle stroking and affection, and likes to remain the focus of attention.
