Sebring, FL - March 4, 2008 - Saddle Ridge, an all-natural equestrian community near the quaint town of Sebring, FL, is taking all details into account to assure homeowners that their property is both environmentally friendly and nutritionally safe for horses.
This eco-conscious development combines an equestrian lifestyle with green, all-natural living. The community, currently under construction, spans 1,200 acres and offers 10 acre parcels for homes and horse farms. It has been designed to preserve the natural state of the land and ensure privacy for its residents.
"Because we want to encourage healthy, safe grazing for horses, we have hired a consultant to examine the soil," commented Janie Coffey, a representative for the developer of Saddle Ridge. "We want to maximize nutrition content for horses and foster a natural way of maintaining the land. By educating ourselves about the makeup of the soil, we can inform homeowners about their property and recommend ways to provide the most healthy environment for their horses."
Gregory J. Sawka of the Southeast Soil & Environmental Service Inc. has been working with Saddle Ridge as a soil consultant and engineer. He has performed tests to examine the suitability of the soil for horse grazing. After collecting composite samples from different parcels on the property, an analysis was performed to measure the soil's pH and specific elements. "Soil samples were collected as composite samples in pasture areas across the +800 acres of upland habitat. Eight-four samples were collected. Seventy-five surface horizons samples were collected and 2 sets of samples were taken to evaluate soil profiles from surface to subsoil. Soils were analyzed for pH and specific elements including Copper, Magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous iron, boron, zinc and associated minor elements. To begin the pasture management program dolomite will be applied to adjust soil pH prior to fertilization. This will optimize soil conditions so that for proper nutrient uptake can occur. Environmental stewardship of the land is important so unnecessary fertilizer will not cause unnecessary impacts to water quality."
"He has done a significant amount of testing and has results back from the lab," explained Coffey. "He is now getting recommendations as to what we need to do to enhance the soil so that it will grow as nutritious forage as possible for the horses." She noted. "We feel this is a necessary procedure because horses cannot digest certain elements well, and the consumption of these minerals can be unhealthy and possibly cause colic. We really want to make sure the community is well suited for horses."
Nestled between tranquil oak trees, spectacular lakes, and beautiful orange groves, Saddle Ridge is truly Florida's best kept secret. The development's all-natural land conservation harmonizes perfectly with the ambience of historic Sebring. In addition to providing horses with a safe and quiet environment, this equestrian mecca will offer miles of bridle trails, a 20 acre equestrian community center with a covered arena, a dressage arena, a hunter/jumper field, a community barn and acres of pastures and fields.
Their Web site, www.SaddleRidgeFl.com, is up and running, and Saddle Ridge is pleased to provide new customers with a limited time offer. The development is offering a select number of 10 acre parcels, a 3,000 square foot custom home and a three-stall barn for $690,000. Only 17 packages remain from this special offer, and they are selling quickly.
Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
786-252-4970
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