For more than 50 years, families visited The Land of Little Horses in Gettysburg to create childhood memories. Now, as the park closes after 54 years, dozens of miniature horses face an uncertain future.

According to reporting published February 23, 2026, the park plans to auction 35 miniature horses, along with other animals. Some of these minis are older. Some have health challenges. Some are bonded pairs who have lived together their entire lives. Once the auction hammer falls, there is no guarantee where they will go next.

Rescue organizations have already raised concerns about vulnerable animals cycling through multiple auctions before finally landing in safe homes. Fox Lea Mini Horse Rescue has stated it is preparing to act as a safety net if necessary. That effort is commendable, but it should not fall solely on one nonprofit to protect animals who have spent their lives entertaining and comforting children.

These miniature horses are not equipment or surplus inventory. They are living beings who depend entirely on human stewardship.

We urge the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Adams County Commissioners to oversee this transition and ensure proper safeguards are in place. We call on the park’s owners and auction organizers to temporarily pause or structure the auction process to prioritize accredited rescues and thoroughly vetted buyers, particularly for older, medically fragile, or bonded animals.

A short delay to secure formal rescue partnerships and establish post-sale protections could make the difference between lifelong stability and repeated resale.

This community has cherished these animals for decades. We now have a responsibility to ensure their next chapter is safe and humane.

Please act quickly to guarantee that every miniature horse leaving The Land of Little Horses is placed in a secure, responsible, and loving environment.