There are some spectacular horse farms and ranches for sale at any given time, so you’re likely to have a wide variety of properties to consider. Although you might be tempted just to get started touring areas that interest you, it’s best to take time to consider all aspects of your options.
We have put together this brief guide to help.
So, let’s get started. It’s important to remember many factors when looking for property horses. Let’s start with some questions and then move on to a checklist of key considerations when looking for property. Here we go:
1. Which level are you most interested in horses?
You probably like horses or wouldn’t make the purchase of horse property.
The possibilities are endless. You could want property to keep one or two of you horses. Or, perhaps, an entire commercial facility which specializes in training, boarding, and breeding.
Keep in mind that you may find your interest grows, from a novice to an experienced professional. This could lead to the purchase of a property or upgrades to existing properties.
2. What is your ideal location?
This decision will be influenced by many things. But beyond that, keep in mind that your answer to Question #1 will also bring its own considerations, such as:
- Desire to be near facilities that accommodate your horse related interests, such as open state land, trails, or particular training or show facilities for specific types of horses
- Desire to be near the ‘hub of the industry’ for your particular horse activity. This is important for professionals who serve a particular market or those who are striving to be successful in the horse industry. It may also be worth considering the possibility of networking with other horse owners.
3. You may be looking for a vacant lot, a horse property to purchase, or redevelopment of an existing property to house horses.
There are many options. You have the option to choose one, or you can be open to them all. Your choice may also be affected by certain factors. Keep reading to learn more.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages.
While you can get exactly what you need, building new may require more time and effort.
While buying an existing property may be faster and less costly, you might not get exactly what you are looking for.
You may also be able to renovate an existing property, which can bring you some of the benefits mentioned above, however, it will require patience, planning and vision, something not everyone buyers possess.
4. How much do you want to spend? It will be either a cash-purchase or financed. Are other properties being sold as a condition?
As with the answer to question #3, each option has its advantages.
You should close faster if you pay cash and may be able negotiate a higher price.
To confirm your purchasing power and to begin the loan application process, contact your lender if you are financing.
With those broader questions behind us, let’s get into more specific questions and important factors to consider:
How many acres are you looking for?
Consider the overall layout of your farm: the house, barn, stable and paddocks. Also, consider storage areas for equipment and feed.
Is there any zoning restrictions or limitations that you need to consider in areas where your farm is located?
Two acres is required for each horse if you plan to keep them grazing. You should only choose properties with horses that are allowed or permitted under special use permits.
Also, be mindful of the boundaries line setbacks which may vary from one unit to another.
Get to know your soil.
Before purchasing a property, it is important to know the types of soils.
Poorly-drained soils, such as clay or loamy soils that are close to horse riding areas can cause problems for horses’ hooves and make it difficult to maintain the property during wet season.
Barns and paddocks need to be placed on sandy soils. Fine-textured soils can be graded to encourage positive water drainage from areas with high horse traffic.
There will be many soil types on farms. This should affect the design of the farm, depending on their intended uses. For drought resistance, high loam soils work well for pastures and hayfields. For trail riding and training, agro-macro soils are great for horses.
Would you like to see the topography look like?
It is important to consider the aesthetics and practicality of land layout. It is very attractive to have a horse farm set in rolling countryside with many trees.
But, it’s a good idea to use some level ground as a building or training area. Hayfields and pastures thrive on gently rolling, level ground.
The topography determines how much water is able to drain from the property. Low-quality drainage areas such as swamps, wetlands and “pothole ponds” can have a negative impact on horse farming.
Access to water
A horse farm operation will use potable water in both the residence and the barn, and depending on the number of horses, the gallons used in the barn may far exceed the amount used in the residence.
Many rural areas lack access to public water supplies. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the residence has a water source.
The primary uses of water on the farm are for watering and washing horses, general cleaning, dust control in training areas, and, in some cases, irrigation.Irrigation used to keep pastures green or to water hayfields can exceed all other uses. Surface water from streams, lakes, or ponds can be useful for irrigation.
Availability of other utilities and services
Other utilities and services covers wastewater disposal, electrical hookup, heating energy source (natural gas, LP gas, fuel oil), internet availability, cell phone coverage and solid waste disposal. These are all important points to remember.
Septic tanks or drain fields in rural areas are the best ways to dispose of waste water. Not all soils can be used with these systems. It may be necessary to conduct percolation tests to assess the suitability of soils.
Although natural gas is the most popular energy source, rural areas may only have propane gas. Space heating is not necessary for horses as they produce a lot heat. Electricity is often the best way to heat water or prevent horse drinking water freezing.
Which coverage is best?
It is essential to have good internet connectivity and mobile phone coverage. There may be connectivity problems in remote locations.
What can you do to manage this stinky substance?
The manure generated by horse farms is a significant amount of solid waste. When you plan to purchase a horse ranch, it’s important that you consider how the manure will be handled. There are several options: spreading the manure on the property, giving it away to farmers nearby, or hauling it off to the landfill by contract waste haulers.
Existing and Planned Structures
Whether you’re buying an existing horse farm or one with existing structures that can be renovated for horse related uses, inspect closely (1) the quality of the structures, including buildings and fences, (2) for the possibility of nuisance problems that result from poor layout or adoptive use, (3) to determine the cost of renovations necessary to fit your intended uses of the property.
Find Help
Find an agent that truly understands equestrian properties – if they don’t know what you’re talking about when you’re talking “horse”, they can’t adequately represent your best interests. You can do your homework to locate one who has the right knowledge.
And last, but certainly not least, consider the neighbors
Horse people are generally quite neighborly and easy to get along with. People who are interested in the same things as them, such as horses or country life, tend to be open-minded and like to socialize.
However, some people enjoy outdoor activities without regard to environmental stewardship and the sensitiveness of others. Before purchasing, ask questions or meet the neighbor.
That’s it.
This list of considerations and questions was hopefully helpful. There are many things to be aware of before purchasing horse property or other property.
However, this is not rocket science. It’s a matter of research and diligence. It’s important that you work with an experienced and qualified Realtor in this regard.