My little pony: The tiny horse that wants a name for Christmas

Last updated at 6:32 PM on 24th November 2008
 

She may be small, but this horse has been generating a huge amount of excitement.

The 15 inch silver dun tovero foal was born 10 days ago to mother Bliss at Riverdance Stud Farm in Victoria, South Australia.

The healthy filly is expected to grow to about 24 inches. Normally, miniature horses are born between 20 inches and 23 inches but do not exceed about 34 inches when fully grown.  

The tiny 15 inch horse, pictured next to youngster Sam Leith, has generated a lot of excitement as local people compete to give her a name

The birth has generated such excitement in the community that local people are entering a competition to give the horse a name in time for Christmas.

Owner Lee Scown said she wanted a name that reflected the tiny, unique nature of the horse.

'It’s the smallest horse I’ve ever had and she’s so gorgeous,' Ms Scown said.

'It’s amazing to see a horse so tiny, and she’s about the size of a week-old lamb.'

The horse is the smallest born at Riverdance and its arrival surprised even its breeder.

'We got told the mare wasn't due for another four weeks but on Sunday morning I walked outside and called her, and out ran the little foal behind her.'

A vet gave it a clean bill of health.