Did you know that July 15 is officially designated “National I Love Horses Day”? It was created as a way to commemorate the contributions and vital roles these exceptional equines have fulfilled throughout the history of humanity.
There is no shortage of unique ways to celebrate the occasion. From visiting your favorite riding stables to cuddling and combing the creatures directly, you certainly have your pick of “horsing around” options to consider. Folks living in and around Adams County, Pennsylvania, have an especially unique suggestion befitting them—a well-deserved day trip to the one and only Land of Little Horses.
Located along 100 acres of scenic Gettysburg countryside, Land of Little Horses is a beloved family-friendly destination for all ages. As the name implies, the starring attraction you will find featured here are those famed namesake “little horses”—Falabella miniatures. Of course, there’s so much more to the scene in addition.
The Horsey History
The Land of Little Horses was founded in 1971 by Tony Garulo and Stu Erickson. The two merchant marines, who had been traveling the world the year before, eventually made their way over to Argentina. It was here where they initially became acquainted with a unique dwarflike breed of horse known as the Falabella and fell instantly in love with it!
Upon returning to the United States, they established the Land of Little Horses, bringing along many of the original horses they met in Argentina. The notable farm park scene would go on to become the original United States Registry for Falabella miniature horses.
Today, the farm proudly provides permanent housing to somewhere in the ballpark of 50 different resident horses. While most are notably Falabella miniatures, who are directly descended from the originals first brought over to the scene 54 years ago, other equine residents include full-size regular horses, ponies, and even a Belgian Draft Horse of great renown. Some of the horses were born onsite, while others originally hailed from other locations, later brought here due to difficult circumstances.
Versatility in Every Visit
The farm is also home to an array of additional adorable animals. The more exotic menagerie includes a camel and even a Zebu cow!
You can also make friends with familiar farm favorites like donkeys, alpacas, a llama, goats, and pigs. The petting zoo allows you to get up close and personal with all of them, going at your own pace and taking your time.
Special shows and entertainment events regularly take place here at various times throughout the day. The Sprinting Pig Shows are among the farm’s premium picks—an ever-popular pastime where audiences gather around to take in a good old-fashioned, good-natured, pig race!
There’s also “the Mane Event”—a professionally produced show held within an indoor arena starring the famed little horses the farm is so named for. It highlights the many achievements and grand glories these little guys have garnered through their acclaimed appearances on America’s Got Talent, Animal Planet’s Pet Star, at Nickelodeon Studios, and more. You’ll also get to see “the horse with a human brain live and in-person” and meet Mystic the “magical” living unicorn.
The newest show here is Exploring Everything Equine. This offering delves into more entertaining educational endeavors, fun facts, and explorations.
Fun Farm Features and Follies
With its spacious setup along the rolling hills of scenic Gettysburg countryside, the farm provides plenty in the way of open-air enticements. And all the resident creatures here are in their element with all the area allotted to them as a result!
That being said, the farm is designed in such a way that it never overwhelms visitors or residents. All have plenty of walking and breathing space to do one’s own thing and take it all in at a personalized pace.
The farm is divided into different sections to help you navigate. There’s Western Town, for instance, a section of the park that offers a more Western-themed experience. Then there’s the Pig Colosseum, which is where the aforementioned pig races are held. Other need-to-know locations around the farm include a sit-down, fully indoor café and resident gift shop.
A Timeless Destination
Throughout its more-than-five-decade tenure, the Land of Little Horses has seen five different owners, all of whom have upheld the foundational standards by which the farm forever operates. From its earlier days to its current delights, the Land of Little Horses has always been and always will be enchanting, inspiring, and delighting countless visitors of all ages.
The Land of Little Horses is located at 125 Glenwood Dr, Gettysburg, PA 17325. To learn more, including hours of operation and admission prices, visit the website at www.landoflittlehorses.com.