Dwarf Horse Becomes Internet Star

Little Shammy's condition may make him smaller than his fellow equines - but that doesn’t stop him being mischievous and delighting his online fan base.

His owner Michele Puryear said: “He truly is a one in a million, dwarf horses are always very loveable and mischievous but Shammy is more affectionate than most.

“He is almost like a dog, he would rather be with me than with a herd of horses or even with his mama sometimes.

“He follows me around and runs in and out of the horse trailer - if he can find something to get into, he’s going to get in to it.”

When he’s not causing trouble around Michele’s farm in Georgia, USA, Shammy likes to relax and show his more loving side.

The 51-year-old added: “When I’m here I can just spend my time sitting on the ground with him and he’ll stay with me until I make him get up – he just loves attention.

“A lot of the time when I come home and get out of the car, he is stood there waiting at the gate and I have to stop what I’m doing and love him for a little while – he just can’t resist.”

After Michele posted a video to a Facebook page she set up for Shammy, he quickly gained 5,000 fans - inspiring her to write a book about his exploits.

“Shammy had over 90 visitors within his first 30 days of birth, which is unheard of," added Michele.

“People were just falling in love with him right away. They all want to take him home or buy him - but of course I would never sell him.

“He’s the only baby I ever kept. I usually breed my babies and sell them but I just couldn’t with Shammy.

“Usually when they come to visit him they want to see him again and they’ll always find a reason to come back – perhaps bringing a neighbour or a friend to see Shammy.”

Unfortunately Shammy's condition will inevitably lead to problems later on in life.

Michele, who works in finance and insurance, added: “They really do suffer as they get older. They tend to get arthritis and their bodies don’t grow as fast as their internal organs so they have heart issues.

“He won't ever be like the other horses, but I want him to be pain-free. That’s my hope for Shammy.

“At any time he could lay down in his sleep and pass. So I try to treasure every moment, every spare moment I have I come and spend a few moments with him.”