Buying a horse property is a significant investment that extends beyond just purchasing the land. It also involves balancing function, comfort, and long-term sustainability for you and your horses. If you’re planning to open a boarding facility, run an equestrian business, or simply enjoy horses on your land, here are six essential factors to consider before making a purchase.
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Location and accessibility
Location is one of the most significant considerations when looking for farms for sale, as it is crucial for both long-term viability and day-to-day convenience. When choosing an ideal location, prioritise a place that’s rural enough to provide peace and space, yet not so remote that accessing services becomes challenging. Other essential location considerations include:
- Proximity to veterinary services and feed stores: Ensure there are equine vet and supply centres within a reasonable distance for daily care and emergencies. Convenient access saves time and reduces stress, especially when immediate care is needed.
- Access to riding trails or equestrian facilities: If you enjoy trail riding or plan to compete, consider how close the property is to public or private riding trails, show grounds, or training arenas.
- Road access and transportation routes: Invest in a property with reliable, well-maintained roads. Accessibility is key during all seasons, especially if you plan to haul horses. Proximity to major routes makes travel for events, supplies, or vet appointments much easier.
- Community and support networks: Being part of a horse-friendly community can make a big difference. Choose an area with active equestrian associations, events, or neighbours with similar interests for support and shared resources.
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Zoning laws and land use regulations
Before purchasing a piece of land, confirm that it’s legally permitted for equestrian use. Zoning laws vary widely by location and can restrict the number of horses you can keep, the type of structures you can build, or whether you can operate a business on the property.
Contact the local zoning office to inquire about agricultural vs. residential zoning, horse-to-acre ratio requirements, and permits for barns, stables, arenas, or manure storage. Ignoring these regulations could result in costly fines or force you to modify your plans. Before making a purchase, ask your realtor to verify zoning laws and regulations in writing to avoid any potential legal implications.
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Water access and drainage
Horses require a substantial and consistent water supply for drinking, cleaning, and irrigating pastures. Evaluate whether the property has a reliable water source, such as a well, municipal supply, or natural stream.
Be sure to inspect the drainage system. Poor drainage systems can result in muddy paddocks, erosion problems, and standing water that harbours mosquitoes or pathogens. Go for a well-designed property with graded pastures, gravel walkways, and strategic guttering to direct water away from barns and living spaces.
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Fencing and security
A horse property is only as safe as its fencing. A horse is a powerful animal that can test even the strongest boundaries, especially when bored or spooked. When viewing a potential property, carefully examine the existing fencing and consider whether it meets safety standards.
Ideal fencing should be highly visible to prevent accidents, smooth and free of sharp edges, and durable enough to contain horses without injury. Popular options include wood rail, vinyl rail, mesh wire, and electric fencing. You’ll also want to ensure that gates latch securely and that all pastures and paddocks can be easily accessed with equipment like tractors or trailers.
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Existing infrastructure
Consider opting for a well-equipped property with all the essential infrastructure. If the property doesn’t have the infrastructure, then it should at least have the space and zoning permissions to build it. Ensure the property includes;
- A well-ventilated barn
- Stalls of adequate size (at least 12×12 feet)
- Feed and tack rooms
- Riding arenas (indoor or outdoor)
- Trailer parking and vehicle access
If any of these are missing, get quotes for installation and factor that into your budget. Installing infrastructure from scratch can be expensive, especially if you buy the horse property in a rural area, where labour and materials are costly and difficult to find.
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Cost and long-term investment
Apart from the initial purchase cost, consider the total cost of ownership. Owning a horse property comes with ongoing expenses such as property taxes, maintenance and repairs, feed and bedding, property and liability insurance, and staff wages if you intend to hire help.
Ask your real estate agent about resale value. Properties with high-quality, well-maintained equestrian facilities tend to retain or increase in value, while poorly designed properties may struggle to sell.
Look into trends in the local market: Are horse properties appreciating or depreciating? Is the area growing in response to equestrian demand or declining? This information can help you determine whether your purchase is a good long-term investment.
Endnote
Purchasing a horse property is a significant decision that impacts your finances, lifestyle, and the well-being of your horses. Before investing, consider the location, water access, drainage, zoning laws, fencing, existing infrastructure, and cost and long-term investment to buy a horse property that supports your needs now and in the future.
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