In Part I we talked about the reasons for moving to the country. Part 2 covered what a careful look at the natural features of your potential new horse farm can tell you. In Part 3 we conclude with a review of the structures on your potential site and discuss how they affect the suitability of your potential new horse property.
If you are considering property that has not housed horses previously that you plan to “retro-fit” into a horse-safe place, use this list of five important considerations to make notes on what it will take to make it horse-suitable.
Structures
Buildings and structures such as fences are important considerations. Are existing shelters appropriate and in good shape? Are they free of rough edges or metal corners that could seriously cut a horse? Are they the right size with high enough ceilings? Walls should be strong, smooth, free of projections and at least 8 feet high. They should extend to the ground so that a horse cannot get its legs caught under them when lying down.
Be aware of metal siding used for horse buildings: metal edges and corners are very dangerous and can easily cause a serious injury to a horse or human. Horses can easily kick through metal siding as well.
Does the potential horse housing have appropriate flooring and footing? Concrete and wood floors are slick and hard and should not be used in horse stalls or shelters. Is there horse-safe fencing which is in good shape? Are gates wide enough for trucks doing deliveries? Can emergencies vehicles access your place and horses? Other possible changes might include logging to clear for pastures or building structures. Look carefully at the changes you will need to make as well as the cost incurred, both monetarily and time-wise.
Neighborhood
Take a good look around your potential new neighborhood. Is it already a horsey community that will be accepting of new horse neighbors? Or are the condos next door going to worry about the placement of your manure pile? Non-horse neighbors may not be as tolerant of things such as odors and flies as we horse people think they should be. Now is a good time to consider what the neighbors will think, before they complain.
Accessibility to Riding
How easily will you be able to ride at your new location? Will you have an arena or a round pen? If you plan to build an arena have you researched the costs? Building a suitable outdoor area with good footing and drainage can be costly and requires adequate space and possibly building permits.
Accessibility to riding opportunities such as trails or covered arenas is another point. Are there suitable equestrian trails nearby? Be sure they are public trails that allow horse use. Don’t just take a well-meaning neighbor’s word for it. Often so-called “community trails” are on private property that is developed when sold.
Other trails may be limited to certain types of recreational uses, such as foot and bicycle, and not equestrian. Many properties are completely locked in by houses or busy highways. In these cases a truck and trailer are required to transport you and your horse to riding areas. Remember, time with your horses and riding is probably one of the main reasons you are doing this. So make sure your dream place easily and conveniently facilitates riding time for you.
Size
The size of the property is another important consideration. Horses can be kept on very small pieces of lands, such as 1 or 2 acres. However, the smaller your land, the more intensively you will need to manage it to prevent a total mud and manure mess. If you want enough land to provide pasture time for your horses you’ll probably want a least one acre per horse. Small pastures of an acre or less can be successfully managed IF you follow good management techniques. Don’t allow your horses on pasture during the winter when the grass plants are dormant and the soils soggy. Never allow pastures to be grazed below 3 inches.
Think realistically about how you will manage the entire operation over time BEFORE you purchase.
Zoning, Ordinances & Covenants
Zoning, ordinances and community covenants are a final consideration. Don’t rely solely on the word of an eager, but uninformed real-estate agent who may not know the full extent of the laws effecting horses and livestock. Make sure you research county, city or local regulations yourself.
Be sure to check with zoning and building codes if your plans include building structures. Make sure it will be possible to build your dream place. And certainly check on any ordinances limiting horses in your area as well as the number of horses allowed per acre. There may also be laws that govern the placement of things such as manure storage facilities. Doing this homework up front will save you lots of money, time and frustration later.
With these thoughts in mind you are ready to embark on your search for that perfect horse place. Good luck and good horsekeeping to you!
