Shortest living horse Pumuckel is the ultimate short king and deserves all your attention
We’re not even sure we have to say that much about the shortest living horse (male) Pumuckel, because the pictures say so much on their own.
Looking as majestic as Beyonce with a wind machine blowing her hair around in one of her music videos, this short king 100% knows he’s a legend.
The tiny horse, who lives in Germany, measures just 52.6 cm (21.1 in) to the withers, but he has the confidence of an animal 10 times his size.
Just look at him standing in a wheelbarrow because he knows he deserves to be chauffeured around.
Pumuckel is over 4 cm shorter than previous record holder Bombel (Poland), who measured 56.7 cm (22.36 in).
Being given the star treatment he deserves, Pumuckel recently appeared on our German TV show, Guinness World Records - Die Grosse Show der Weltrekorde, to help hand out certificates as a glamorous assistant.
When he’s not mingling in showbiz circles, Pumuckel has no problem getting his hooves dirty by pitching in at the farm to help out his owner Carola Weidemann.
Carola ended up bringing Pumuckel home after a friend who was looking for therapy horses told her about him.
Pumuckel with his owner Carola
She said: “I drove over, took a look at him and was truly, completely shocked. I had never seen such a small, little horse before.”
In sweet footage from the farm, Pumuckel is seen carrying out his duties before relaxing in the field with his other horse friends.
Read about more record-breaking animals in our dedicated section.
Carola added: “Pumuckel came to me in October 2020. He was just five months old at the time, and believe it or not, only 47 cm tall and, I think, didn’t even weigh 20 kg yet.”
She also explained that Pumuckel was not bred to be the size he is, but that his small stature is simply a “quirk of nature”.
The tiny trotter is trained as a therapy horse and regularly visits nursing homes, hospices, schools and facilities for people with disabilities.
As a reward for all his hard work, he absolutely loves being pampered and tucking into his favourite snacks, including carrots and apples.
“He has a very lovable character,” Carola said. “He’s incredibly good with children, he loves being scratched and cuddled.
“Pumuckel loves being the centre of attention.”
Honestly, he deserves it. Even this cat knows.