Photo by Donald Teel on Unsplash
A popular Gettysburg attraction has closed its doors, leaving numerous animals up for auction this weekend in hopes of finding new homes.
The owners of longtime family attraction Land of Little Horses announced the closure on the park’s Facebook page in December, citing retirement as the reason the park will not reopen this spring.
“After much consideration, we have decided to retire and will not be reopening in the spring. We are currently seeking a buyer who may continue operating the park, though that outcome is uncertain,” the message read.
According to the Land of Little Horses website, merchant marines Stu Erickson and Tony Garulo met the Falabella family in Argentina in 1970. The family had learned how to breed miniature horses from standard horses, and the two merchant marines fell in love with the small creatures. They imported 25 mini horses and opened the park in 1971.
Over the years, the park has seen five owners. By the time of its closing, Land of Little Horses had expanded to 100 acres and was the original U.S. Registry for Falabella miniature horses. It also included standard horses, ponies, donkeys, alpacas, goats, pigs, a llama, a camel, and a Zebu cow.
Thirty-five mini horses, along with five regular horses, 10 ponies, two miniature donkeys, and other animals, will be auctioned on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the park, 125 Glenwood Drive in Gettysburg. Online bidding already has begun, with all of the miniature horses receiving bids.
Despite concerns on social media regarding the fate of the animals not up for auction, auctioneer Larry Swartz told PennLive he anticipated all of Land of Little Horse’s animals will find new homes. Swartz told the news outlet that the auction has drawn interest from rescue groups interested in acquiring some of the animals. He added the park’s owners will require buyers to sign an agreement stating the animals are going to “suitable homes.”
Though many of Land of Little Horses’ animals are used to performing in shows, miniature horses also often have careers as service animals. In fact, they are the only animals other than dogs recognized as service animals by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Their small size – typically 24 to 34 inches high at the shoulders and between 70 and 100 pounds – as well as good memories, generally calm temperaments, and long lifespans can make them ideal companions for people with disabilities.
Learn more about the Land of Little Horses auction.
