How to pick the Equestrian Development that is best to you - Comparing Horse Communities

Horse communities are cropping up all over the US. With HorseProperties.net stating that the US has the highest horse population in the world, it's no wonder! Within the US, Florida has the third largest horse population and has quite a few established and new equestrian communities to serve our happy horse lovers. My business partner and I have visited many of these, spoken to the developers and Realtors of many more and researched even more of the equestrian developments in Florida. Surprisingly, there is a vast difference in what various properties offer (and don't!!). Here is a pretty good checklist you can use to help you asses which community is going to be right for you and your equine friends...

Equestrian Amenities - Does the community have and/or is it important for you to have:

• A covered arena?
• Multiple types of arenas for various disciplines?
• A round pen?
• A community barn that offers full time boarding and/or vacation boarding?
• A riding school?
• Training sessions, clinics and other community and skill building activities?
• Bridle trails? (Ask WHERE these are - ie make sure they just aren't areas along the road side or under the utility lines, but are truly a planned trail system for best enjoyment)
• Barn management service, if you are keeping your horses on your own property, do they offer a service to take care of the daily chores (at a fee of course)?
• Easements - is it easy to walk with your horse around and through the property via easements and trails?

Community Features -

• What else do they offer for your non-equestrian times? Golf, hiking, pool, dog park, tennis, etc?
• Is the community fully fenced and gated to stop a loose horse from escaping?
• Are the properties eligible for any special property tax benefits (ie greenbelt and/or agricultural exemptions)? If so, what do you need to do to benefit from them?
• Are there any ancillary services such as a sundry shop, quick-mart, restaurant, etc. within the community?
• Are non-residents allowed to use the facilities? Ie board at the barn or take classes?

Deed Restrictions -

• Do they require that you must build within a certain time?
• Do they control how many and what animals you are allowed to have? (ie # of dogs, types of hobby pets such as goats and potbellies, etc.)
• Do they restrict the type of fencing you can use? This can be positive to support a unified community feel, but some people prefer not to be so restricted.
• Do they address health, safety and environmental issues such as manure and pasture fertilizer issues? Again, this can be positive, just know what the rules are before you sign.
• Do they ban motorized vehicles such at ATVs from the bridle paths? You MUST insist on this if not.
• Do they have a size minimum for the main house and architectural guidelines? Are you happy with the guidelines? Find out what the approval process takes and costs.
• Do they restrict trailer or other large vehicle parking? If so, do they offer alternatives?
• Do they restrict doing business from your property? including training, boarding, etc.
  
• Is the safety of the animals and riders protected without being constricted?
• Will you be allowed to have a barn manager or groom live on your premises should you so desire?
• Is the developer also the builders and/or do they stand behind the builders? Are you allowed to use any builder or must you use a preferred builder?

Costs -

• What are the HOA fees?
• What do they cover?
• Are the property owners shareholders in the community facility and if so is there an extra purchase or membership fee for that? or does an outside operator own it?
• Who employees the barn manager and staff?
• If the facility is still being planned or built, what is the time-line to complete? Are they already in contract with the planner and/or builders?
• What is the road surface and who will maintain it? (homeowners or public?)
• How are utilities such as garbage disposal, water, etc. handled? cost?
  

There is no right or wrong answers to any of the above, but merely what will be the best fit for you. If you have a good idea of your dream experience then this list might help you narrow your choices.

Shelly and I are familiar with most of the equestrian communities in FL and we can help you asses the pros and cons in relation to what you are looking for. We really hope that you will take a look at the one we are doing in Sebring, FL, Saddle Ridge. Saddle Ridge has 10-18 acre lots and will have a covered arena, community barn and community center. Sebring is a very cute town with the quaintness of a small town and the amenities of a large city. We would be happy to answer your questions about Saddle Ridge, or any of the equestrian communities in Florida. If we don't know the answers we will be happy to get them for you, please don't hesitate to ask. If you are looking for large lots or small lots, large communities or small ones, more controlled or less restrictive, we can help you find the right home for you! Just call me at 786-252-4970!

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC

Papillon Real Estate, LLC

786-252-4970

janie@janiecoffey.com

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