Since horses are a popular hobby for people all across the country, and a full-time business for many, finding a place to keep them is not hard. The internet has made this easier than ever, since searchers have access to national real estate and can even get on email lists that alert them to new horse properties for sale. This kind of property can be found in every state of the union; the location often gives house-hunters a clue to what they'll find.
Location is key. For instance, many western states have homes on a lot or two that have a small shed and tiny fenced area for horses. Although horses once roamed over vast areas and foraged for grass, they seem perfectly happy with year-round hay and exercise only outside their pens.
Take, for example, Virginia 'horse country', where a home with a paddock to the side would not be classified as equine property. This term connotes a spacious estate with a grand home, multi-stalled barn, several paddocks and fields, and probably a ring for training. All will be on at least three acres and be fenced with boards or woven wire.
People in Virginia expect a equine estate to have a large home, which is generally of more value than the stabling areas. Those who want a place with extensive horse facilities but a smaller home, which keeps taxes down, may have a hard time finding it. There are many 'equine communities' that have riding trails included in the over-all plan; some even have community boarding facilities for those who don't want to maintain their own stabling.
However, other parts of the state are less into 'conspicuous consumption'. These areas may have more western riding than English dressage or foxhunting. Quarter-horses are often more rugged than pampered hunting or show horses, needing only a run-in shed for protection from rain, snow, summer heat, and flies. The barns are used for horses that need special care, for grooming and tacking up, and for feed and equipment storage.
Equine magazines and local newspapers carry classified ads for this kind of property, which are helpful when searching in the immediate area. However, the internet covers both local and national listings, as well as international ones. Virtual tours are great for narrowing the search, since both interior and exterior photos give an idea of the kind and condition of the property.
Information is also available on HOA restrictions, zoning laws, liability in each state, and other aspects of property ownership that will guide a choice of place to live. Many states, for instance, designate equine activities as 'inherently dangerous' and limit the property owner's responsibility to prevent injury. Sometimes zoning or HOA rules limit the number of horses allowed on one site or prohibit commercial activities.
After finding suitable properties, it's necessary to visit to really know the details. The area may be too steep or rocky, or too flat for endurance training. The access road may be inadequate, or the property too close to a major highway for comfort. The barn may be poorly designed, too small, or too large. Searchers won't know if they'll find disappointment or perfection at the end of the line until they actually set foot on the property and see it for themselves.
Location is key. For instance, many western states have homes on a lot or two that have a small shed and tiny fenced area for horses. Although horses once roamed over vast areas and foraged for grass, they seem perfectly happy with year-round hay and exercise only outside their pens.
Take, for example, Virginia 'horse country', where a home with a paddock to the side would not be classified as equine property. This term connotes a spacious estate with a grand home, multi-stalled barn, several paddocks and fields, and probably a ring for training. All will be on at least three acres and be fenced with boards or woven wire.
People in Virginia expect a equine estate to have a large home, which is generally of more value than the stabling areas. Those who want a place with extensive horse facilities but a smaller home, which keeps taxes down, may have a hard time finding it. There are many 'equine communities' that have riding trails included in the over-all plan; some even have community boarding facilities for those who don't want to maintain their own stabling.
However, other parts of the state are less into 'conspicuous consumption'. These areas may have more western riding than English dressage or foxhunting. Quarter-horses are often more rugged than pampered hunting or show horses, needing only a run-in shed for protection from rain, snow, summer heat, and flies. The barns are used for horses that need special care, for grooming and tacking up, and for feed and equipment storage.
Equine magazines and local newspapers carry classified ads for this kind of property, which are helpful when searching in the immediate area. However, the internet covers both local and national listings, as well as international ones. Virtual tours are great for narrowing the search, since both interior and exterior photos give an idea of the kind and condition of the property.
Information is also available on HOA restrictions, zoning laws, liability in each state, and other aspects of property ownership that will guide a choice of place to live. Many states, for instance, designate equine activities as 'inherently dangerous' and limit the property owner's responsibility to prevent injury. Sometimes zoning or HOA rules limit the number of horses allowed on one site or prohibit commercial activities.
After finding suitable properties, it's necessary to visit to really know the details. The area may be too steep or rocky, or too flat for endurance training. The access road may be inadequate, or the property too close to a major highway for comfort. The barn may be poorly designed, too small, or too large. Searchers won't know if they'll find disappointment or perfection at the end of the line until they actually set foot on the property and see it for themselves.
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