10 very good reasons why you want to check out the location first before you purchase a horse property
When you start looking for a horse property, be aware of the location. Yes, it is important to have land with usable acres, but it is equally important to find a location that fulfills so many other needs to make it suitable for you and your four legged friends. Let me guide you through the process of finding the right home or the right piece of land if you decide to start your equine adventure from scratch.
Country living has many faces. Decide how far away from town you are willing to move before you fall in love with a property.
Consider commute traffic when living outside of town. This small factor can turn into a lifestyle killer.
Pay attention to the road conditions. Driving a horse trailer on a bumpy road is no fun for you and certainly not for your horses. Imagine yourself driving this road in all types of weather and for many years to come.
You cannot pick your family, but you can pick your neighborhood. It would be helpful to move into an area with other horse properties nearby. This way nobody dwells on the smell of horses, the many more flies and the noise of early morning feedings.
Check out the back country to see if it is suitable for trail riding. If you don’t trail ride your horses and prefer training in the arena, this issue is not as crucial. If you don’t mind trailering your horses to a nearby trail, you can skip this aspect. From my own experience though, having trails right behind your property is a privilege and even my dressage horses love a change of routine on certain days.
Get information about the horse community in the area. Are there any local trainers and farriers, horse shows, clinics or any horse clubs that might be fun to join? You don’t want to turn into a lonesome rider far away from other horse enthusiasts.
Inform yourself about veterinary care in the area. You will appreciate a nearby vet in case of an emergency. We all know emergencies happen when we least expect them, so be prepared.
Become familiar with the zoning regulations in the area which might also define the number of horses you are allowed to have.
Do not expect the resale value of a horse property rising due to all the stalls, pens etc. you put in. You need to find the right buyer to appreciate steel pipe fencing or a round pen. Horse properties are a niche market, and it will always be more challenging to find the right buyer.
Finally: Ask what your horse has to say about the location. I am sure that open range land, views and room to roam without the sound of annoying dirt bikes or other nuisances is what your horse would pick.
When you are ready to go house hunting, have this checklist ready. We often get carried away by the great aspects of the property itself and tend to forget about the location. Always remember, you aren't just buying a house, but a piece of happiness.
In this blog I shared my personal views and opinion and talk about my own experience since I am living on a country property with a bunch of animals.
