Ulster county horse property and equestrian estates
A buyer's guide for horse properties, farms and equestrian estates in Ulster County.
To search for Ulster County Horse Property or Equestrian estates, click here
The idea of watching horses gracefully frolicking outside your back door is for many a dream come true. But, while the image of grazing horses and white fences is easy to imagine, finding an Ulster County horse property, farm or equestrian estate that meets your needs can be quite the undertaking. Buying a farm is much different than buying a residential home and should only be handled by real estate agents that specialize in that type of real estate.
Buyers in the Ulster County real estate market look to purchase farms for two main reasons. The first reason is that they are is that they are somehow involved in the farming or the raising of animals, the other reason is purely for the "living on the farm" experience. To locate a horse property or equestrian estate that fits your needs, we suggest you and your real estate agent must refine your search by considering the following amenities many Ulster County horse properties and equestrian estates offer before you begin your dream journey.
An important thing to consider is the Barn. You must ask yourself if you want to build your own barn or would you prefer to purchase a property with a barn that already exists? Many equine real estate will have an existing barn or some type of shelter for the horses.
If the horse property you select has a barn, keep the following things in mind:
- Sound Construction - While old barns are definitely charming, safety must be your initial consideration. Barns that are not structurally sound should be remodeled or replaced. Affordable prefabricated barns are an economical solution.
- Location, location, location - Evaluate the barn's proximity to the road and the access to an from it. Try to also evaluate whether or not is prone to flooding.
- Ventilation - Proper ventilation of the interior of the barn is critical to your horse's health as well as any other livestock using the barn.
- Size and number of stalls - A good barn will have an appropriate number and size of stalls for your horses or livestock. The floor of the stalls should be either dirt or matted with good drainage.
- Access to the stalls - A good size center aisle with non-slip flooring will provide easy access for you and your animals.
- Additional rooms for supplies - A feed room and a tack room are great features to have in a barn.
If the property you selected isn't a working farm and you have to build it, keep these things in mind:
The Stalls:
When considering stalls for your horse farm, try to think like a horse (easy for horse lovers to do). Is there a way you can escape, injure yourself, injure your neighbor or otherwise wreak havoc in the barn? Then look long and hard at the size, construction and use of the existing or planned stalls:
- Stall Construction: As a rule of thumb, all stall flooring should be a non-slip surface and preferably matted. Heavily constructed walls made of hard wood or cement that have no gaps between the stall and the floor are generally the best.
- Size of the Stall: If you are a true horse enthusiast, comfort of your horse is probably important to you. A 10 x 10 stall is big enough for ponies and small horses well, while larger horses will require much larger stalls no smaller than 12 x 12. Additionally, stall doors should be wide enough and high enough so that the horse can easily maneuver in and out of the stall.
- Use of the Stall: Make sure your stalls meet the needs of their intended use. For obvious reasons, breeding facilities, brood mare and stallion stalls should be considerably larger than conventional stalls used for regular use.
Road Access
As I mentioned before, access is very important. The ability for delivery trucks to access your horse farm easily is important for the smooth operation of the equestrian facility. If the barn is further away from the main road, be sure to have a well-maintained, road to the barn and storage areas so that large trucks can safely enter, and turn around if needed.
Horse Fencing
When evaluating the current fencing or planning the construction of a new one, once again, try to think like a horse. The main objective of a horse fence is to safely secure your horse. If there is a way for the horse to injure itself, it is more than likely that they will find a way to do it, so safety must be concern number 1. That said, the appearance of your fence will add appeal, beauty and value to your horse property. Some fencing options could include:
- Wood Fencing: One of the better options if you can afford it. Maintenance on wood fences is generally expensive.
- Vinyl Fencing: Wood is good, vinyl is final. Vinyl offer an economic solution to fencing and has the look of a traditional wood fence.
- Electric Fencing: Is not as cruel as you think, electric fences used alone or with an existing wood or vinyl fence, can discourage a horse's natural propensity to explore and hurt themselves by providing both a physical and psychological barrier.
- Forget Barbed Wire: Avoid barbed wire fences at all cost as they often lead to injury of both the animals and the people .
Pastures and Turn Outs
A good horse farm should have ample room to turn out your horses. Consider the number of horses and intended use of the turnouts when selecting a horse property (the same way in selecting stall size).
Equestrian Arenas
If your primary purpose for the facility is arena riding, your equestrian estate should have a large arena or room to accommodate the construction of one. Be careful in estimating the expense as footing is a considerable investment. If you arena is in a colder climate it is also important not to under estimate the need for a covered or indoor arena.
Watering Requirements
No big secret here, horse farms need good access to fresh water both in the barn and in the pasture. Making sure the well depth and plumbing meets your needs as well as the needs of the horses.
Lighting
Just like water, electricity is something else that will affect the usability of your Ulster County horse farm. Most barns need electricity for day-to-day use as well as emergencies. Depending on your events/riding schedules, arena lighting may also be necessary, especially if you intend to use your Ulster County horse property as a boarding facility.
Feed and Equipment Storage
Lots of hay, grain and equipment storage on your horse farm is both makes horse care easy and cost effective. It will better preserve your feed by guarding it from the elements.
Lastly, you think about the home on your horse property. Horse enthusiasts many times think of their horses before themselves, but the home should not be overlooked as it has a lot to do with your comfort and property value. Be sure that it meets your families needs and is evaluated both as a part of the farm and independently as its resale value can appeal to markets other than horse enthusiasts.
To search for Ulster County Horse Property or Equestrian estates, click here
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