Woman Riding Shorty, The World’s Smallest Horse 1953

NOT FOR GROWNUPS
New York; – Pat Powell, an airline passenger service representative, tries to take a ride on “Shorty,” the world’s smallest horse, who is enroute from London to Atlanta, GA., where he will go on exhibition at a children’s playground. “Shorty” weighs 59 pounds and is just 30 inches long, although he is full grown. Credit: United Press 3/26/1953

Shorty, the two-year-old, fully ground stallion was 7 hands high (28 inches) and was purchased for $500.

Virginia Hyde & Thistle May 23, 1966 credit: Montreal Gazette

After this newswire photo, not much was written about Shorty or his popularity with Atlanta’s children.

It should come as no surprise that many would claim the unofficial title of world’s smallest horse. During the early part of 20th century there was; “Tiny,” “Lulu,” “Wild Fire,” and many other diminutive equines who were exhibited at carnivals and circuses.

The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes that Thumbelina was the world’s shortest / smallest horse. But, at 55 pounds and four hands high, (16 inches) Thistle seen at right with her handler Virginia Hyde in 1966, was smaller than Thumbelina by an inch.

In the 19th century there was a 13 inch tall horse named “Dot.”