The story of Pumuckel, a horse that stands only 52.6 cm tall, has become a symbol of exclusivity and closeness in Germany. Their small size, even smaller than other breeds known for their small size, has led to them being more prominent in various media and public places.
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Not only has the little horse received recognition from Guinness World Records, where it cooperated in handing out certificates, but it also performs tasks on the farm and social interaction activities in various community settings.
His owner, Carola Weidmann, met him through a comment from a friend who was looking for horses suitable for therapeutic jobs. After seeing him for the first time, she clearly remembers his immediate reaction.
“I approached him and looked at him and was in complete shock. I had never seen a horse that big before,” she recalls.
Since then, Pumukil has become part of his daily life.
The animal’s recorded length is 52.6cm, making it less than the 56.7cm achieved by Bumble, the Polish horse previously identified as the smallest. This difference of over 4 cm has aroused the interest of miniature animal enthusiasts and communities dedicated to training assistance animals.
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Weidmann explains that the origin of his size was not the product of selective breeding, but rather the result of a “whim of nature.”
“Bomukal came to me in October 2020. He was only five months old at the time and, incredibly, was only 47cm tall, and I think he didn’t even weigh 20kg yet,” he says.
Your role as a therapy horse
Pumuckel are trained to accompany people in nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, educational institutions and centers for people with disabilities. During these visits, he maintains a calm and receptive posture that facilitates interaction with users of all ages. Wideman highlights this characteristic:
“He has a very loving personality. He is incredibly good with children, and loves to be petted and cuddled.”
The animal receives rewards for its work, including rewards such as carrots and apples. He also loves the direct contact with the audience and the interest it generates.
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In his daily life, he also shares space with other animals on the farm, including a cat with whom he has been seen relaxing. Their photos spread widely and contributed to the fame of this unique German horse.