Equestrian real estates are sought-after properties specially designed for keeping, training, and riding horses. There are fundamental points to consider before investing in the equestrian real estate market due to the substantial investment involved.
With numerous equestrian properties on the market, finding a suitable one should be relatively easy. It is advisable to visit multiple properties and compare their features and prices before deciding. Your primary concern should be the comfort and safety of your horses, as they require a healthy environment with ample space to move around.
This article comprehensively summarises everything you must research and settle on before buying a horse ranch.
Selecting the best equestrian real estate: what to consider
Before you begin your search or consider any factor, there are some questions you need to know the answers to. Some of these questions include:
- What do I need a horse ranch for?
- Will it be for riding horses or for keeping stables?
- What riding techniques will be done on the farm?
- What is the least and maximum number of horses the ranch will hold?
- Will it be a private or commercial facility?
- Will it be a hobby farm, a performance facility, or a training ranch?
Factors around the location
Weather and climatic conditions
Study the area’s climate and weather conditions before making a decision. For context, if you decide to buy a property in a location with a cold climate, you may spend extra on insulation and heating materials for the stables, barns, and living areas.
Accessibility
When choosing a location for your equestrian property, study the area’s access to riding areas and beautiful trails, proximity to veterinarian services, and closeness to professional trainers. A location near wooded areas will have access to courses and riding paths if you plan to make your facility for commercial horse riding.
Size and capacity
Consider how many horses you plan on keeping on the ranch. Confirm that the location has enough space and resources to house the animals and the barn workers comfortably. If it still needs to get structures, confirm the area can comfortably contain the number of stables, barns, paddocks or pastures, and storage areas you will need.
Zoning and land use considerations
Before purchasing, try to understand the zoning laws where the property is located. Zoning laws can determine how the land can be used, what kind of structures can be built, and what activities are permitted. In some areas, zoning laws may prohibit certain commercial or agricultural activities. In contrast, other sites may restrict the use of specific equipment or vehicles.
It is essential to consult with local zoning officials and obtain any necessary permits before making any changes to the property or engaging in certain activities. Failure to comply with zoning laws may result in fines, legal penalties, or even property loss.
Available Housing and facilities for both humans and horses
Since there will be workers on the horse ranch and animals, consider the following.
Housing options for the workers
When checking out potential equestrian locations, determine if there is a suitable house or living quarters on the property. If one needs to be built, check the proximity of the house or living quarters to the horse facilities and any other necessary amenities.
Also, determine if the house or living quarters are large enough for the intended use and if they meet any specific needs, such as accessibility or storage space.
The horses’ stables, barns, and shelters
It’s advisable to check out the current state of all existing structures to determine if any repairs or upgrades will be necessary. Assess the ventilation, lighting, and temperature control within the available barns and shelter structures to be sure they will be conducive for the animals.
Paddocks and fencing
Check out the condition of the property’s existing fencing and paddocks. Evaluate the safety and durability of the fencing and determine how much it would cost to upgrade or repair existing fencing.
Water sources and irrigation
Confirm the availability of water on the property. Determine if the water is of the utmost quality and is available in sufficient quantity. Assess the available irrigation system or if the area is suitable enough to install a proper irrigation system. Additionally, try to consider any necessary upgrades or repairs to ensure that the water sources and irrigation system can meet the needs of the horses.
Feed and storage facilities
Check if a suitable feed processing or storage facility exists in the area or if you’d have to build a new one. Determine if the existing feed and storage facilities require upgrades or repairs to make them standard enough for their intended use. Evaluate the temperature and pest control within the horse ranch.
Financing options
The funding source is an essential consideration in an investor’s plans. Horse ranches are substantial investments but vary in price depending on their location, amenities, and existing facilities. Once you’ve established a realistic budget comprising the ongoing costs required to make all facilities standard for your preferred horse ranch, consider your financing options.
Here are the common sources of capital for financing horse ranch purchases:
- Traditional mortgage loans: It is offered by banks and require a downpayment of up to 20%
- Land loans: It requires higher down payments and has higher interest rates. However, they are suitable for purchasing raw lands or underdeveloped equestrian property.
- Agricultural loans: They sometimes have strict collateral requirements and higher interest rates, but they offer more flexible credit and income requirements.
Best advice to know before buying a horse ranch
If you have yet to gain prior knowledge about equestrian properties, working with an equestrian real estate agent is best. These specialists understand the most critical requirements of purchasing a horse ranch. They know the markets, regulations, and zoning, have a helpful network of contacts, and have experience with horse facilities and properties. As mentioned, a horse ranch is a significant investment; you want to avoid making mistakes.
By carefully considering the above factors and evaluating different properties based on your budget, location preferences, and size and capacity needs, you can successfully find a horse ranch that meets your needs without compromising on the comfortability or safety of your horses.
