March 2026 Issue

March 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 71 By Lois Szymanski Land of Little Horses miniature horse farm and attraction in Gettysburg, PA was to hold a sale of all of their horses, tack and equipment in an auction on the farm on February 28, leaving behind a rich history and a legacy of over 55 years of sharing small equines with horse lovers from across the globe. The regional favorite and local treasure was founded in 1971 by Merchant Marines Tony Garulo and Stu Erickson, who were enchant- ed by the Falabella family’s miniature horse breeding program in Argentina. They imported 25 miniature horses from Argentina to Gettys- burg, opening the Gettysburg Miniature Horse Farm on 100 rolling acres. They then started the original United States Registry for Falabella Miniature Horses. Over the years, the park has had five owners and changed its name, sharing miniature horses with visitors from across the country and other parts of the world. Their shows were renowned, with minis performing a myriad of tricks for adoring audiences. The park closed in late 2025 when owner Bill Baldwin and his wife decided to retire. Almost as soon as the sale announcement was made, a stir in the horse community arose, with concerns about these beloved show ponies going to auction. Baldwin has had to field a lot of strong commentary, calls and emails, but he said they put protocols in place to best protect their well-loved livestock. Every bidder was required to fill out a paper that cataloged their horse experience and ability to care for a horse. Prior to the sale, Baldwin shared more about their effort to vet buyers. “The paper will ask about horse experience. Do you knowwhat it is like to keep a 25 or 30-year-old horse? Have you ever had a horse? Is this horse for your child or yourself? And we will have a right of first refusal on all horses. We want them to go to good homes. The horses are our top priority,” he added. “These safeguards are to make sure they are going to people who have the ability to properly care for them.” The sale catalog was ready in early January with photos of each equine and park history, including the story of a featured performer from their early days. Their miniature horse, Kristina was nicknamed “the horse with the human brain.” “The horse had amazing mathematical abilities and could count out the answers tomath problems with its little hoof,” the catalog said. “Kristina became famous, and was even featured on TV on “Those Amazing Animals”. This featured presen- tation has continued with other mathematically inclined horses.” Forty-four equines were scheduled to sell, including 27 miniature horses, nine ponies, five trail horses, one miniature mule and two min- iature donkeys - along with several rare, antique tricycle-style pedal horses, the original shipping crate used for Kristina when she was shipped to Hollywood California to perform her counting talents on TV, and a carousel horse, plus fence boards, tools and equipment, and even a horse trailer and a truck. “Our intention is to bring each horse out, show what they can do and what they have done, give a complete medical history and to share any current information - like if they need to be blanketed, if they need soft food, and any other needs,” Baldwin said prior to the sale. “We want complete trans- parency. We want bidders to know exactly what they are buying.” Most buyers would be asked to schedule a pick-up date the following week, to allow time to check their background information and to ensure room on the lot for parking. “We won’t sell them to anyone not offering a good home and if they don’t sell, we will work on finding individual homes,” Baldwin stressed, noting they have options in mind. Auctioneer Larry Swartz started the sale on February 28, starting with tack and equipment and followed by the horses, many who still per- form a list of tricks, including counting, dancing on hind legs, waving and more. The park has been sold. The new owners plan to keep it an attraction, but without horses. It will become an adventure park with ziplines, mazes, and challenge courses with fun activities for all ages. Editor’s note: This article went to press before the sale took place. Land of Little Horses Ends Legacy in February Sale Beloved local landmark and legacy closes its doors after 55 years.