When Paul and Kay Goessling welcomed little Thumbelina into the world on May 1, 2001, they knew there was something special about her. The Goesslings raise miniature horses at Goose Creek Farms in their St. Louis suburb, and they suspected that Thumbelina might be extra miniature.
At just 17-inches tall and weighing 57 pounds, Guinness World Records proclaimed her as the smallest horse in the world.
Both Thumbelina’s parents were miniature horses themselves.
Goose Creek Farms is a family operation with Michael Goessling, Paul and Kay’s son, training Thumbelina.
Her name comes from the Hans Christian Andersen story, published in 1835, about a thumb-sized girl’s adventures looking for love.
Here, Thumbelina poses with one of the largest horses in the world.
She is loved by all!
Not only is Thumbelina a miniature horse, but she was born with a genetic condition called dwarfism.
With extra love from her family and some special shoes to keep her safe when she walks, Thumbelina has a healthy, happy life.
She even visits children’s hospitals to spend time with kids in need of some smiles from a tiny pony.
