Tiny horses are biggest stars at tourism attraction

The petite palomino is one of seven miniature horses at Bunnyland, near Whitby, that range from a tiny two feet to a pint size 30 inches in height.

They are part of a growing menagerie belonging to Carol and Karl Wragg, who also have hundreds of rabbits and guinea pigs plus eight teeny teacup chihuahuas, an alsatian dog, seven cats, chickens and a peacock.

The couple have just taken over at Bunnyland in Liverton after selling their terrace home in Sheffield.

They escaped to the country two weeks ago after buying the property from its founder Jude Mede.

She started Bunnyland 30 years ago after she was given a Dutch rabbit called Skippy that went on to have five babies. She started breeding rabbits and came up with idea of creating a land where they could live happily and be admired by members of the public.

She bought Golden Hill Farm at auction and turned her dream into reality, complete with a bed and breakfast business, camping, a children's farm, and kennels and cattery that, of course, also caters for pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

"There were lots of other lands about including Flamingoland, but no Bunnyland," Mrs Mede said. "I just thought it would be a good idea for a visitor attraction."

Mr Wragg, a former accountant, and his wife, a professional singer who worked with big bands including Take2, have ambitious plans of their own for the rural site.

They have already bought four gipsy caravans and are planning to add yurts and teepees to the Bunnyland campsite.

The couple, who have two children, Daisy, 11, and Charlie, eight, hope to open a caf, as well as stage events and build a children's playpark.

Mrs Wragg said: "We wanted a complete lifestyle change and our idea is to create a Darling Buds of May set-up here.

"When this opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful location came along we grabbed it with both hands."

She added: "So far it really is a dream come true. With the help of Sue Brogan, a lovely Bunnyland employee, we've already done all sorts.

"We'll still be breeding and selling the bunnies and guineas that this place is famous for but we'll be offering lots more. I want it to be a real haven for our visitors."

Their next project is to build their little horses suitably small stables. "We're planning to give them their own miniature stable each," said Mrs Wragg.

"They need their own home, not least because they are very fragile. Their bones are obviously much smaller than the average-sized horse, so you have to treat them with a lot of care.

"They're for looking at only. You certainly couldn't ride one, but they are adorable.

"Children absolutely love them and they even make grown men go weak at the knees."

record holder just 17in high

Although Bluebell is one of the smallest horses you're likely to see, the record holder is just 17in high.

Thumbelina, from America, earned her place in Guinness World Records in 2006.

She was born on a farm in St Louis and is owned by a couple who specialise in breeding miniature horses.

At birth she weighed 8lb and eventually she grew to just 60lb.

Thumbelina's size has been put down to dwarfism and as her legs are proportionally smaller than her body and her head, she often has to wear orthopaedic fittings to straighten them.