Meet Thumbelina, The World's Smallest Horse

At just over 17 inches tall, this miniature horse is more accustomed to walking under fences than jumping them. And as the world's smallest horse, five-year-old Thumbelina, weighing in at 26 kg, has a bigger mission: to raise $1-million for children's charities this year.

Handler Michael Goessling says Thumbelina is the ideal child advocate, her name comes from the fairy tale of a woman the size of a thumb.

"When kids meet her in person, they want to talk to her and know what she likes and dislikes," Goessling said. "It's amazing because she is so loving with people. She craves attention."

She was named the world's smallest living horse by Guinness World Records.

An upcoming "Thumbelina Children's Tour" is expected to include stops in the 48 contiguous states at children's hospitals, schools, and fund-raisers.

The family calls her a "miniature-miniature" and genetically she is a dwarf.

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