RECREATION & LIFESTYLE

By the EIE Editorial Staff

Taking your child to horseback riding lessons is an exciting adventure! Here are some tips on how to be a supportive and encouraging parent.

Before the Lesson

Proper Attire: Ensure your child is wearing appropriate riding attire, including a helmet, riding boots, and long pants.
Arrive Early: Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of a lesson to ensure the horse is tacked and properly adjusted. Nobody wants to be rushed or stressed before a lesson and the horse will sense it too!
Equipment Check: Make sure they have all necessary equipment like gloves and a crop if required.
Positive Reinforcement: Remind your child about how much fun they'll have and how proud you are of them.

During the Lesson

Observe From a Safe Distance: Stay outside the fence line. Allow the instructor to do their job without interfering but be engaged. This is not the time to be sitting in your car on your cell phone.
Be Patient: Understand that learning to ride takes time and practice. Avoid rushing or pressuring your child.
No Drama with Other Parents: If other parents are present, be supportive of each other's children and understand that each child progresses at a different pace. Since each child is riding a different horse, that may impact the progression of learning as well.
Encourage and Support: Offer positive reinforcement and words of encouragement throughout the lesson.
Stay Calm: If your child experiences a fall or feels scared, remain calm and reassuring.
Respect the Instructor: Listen to the instructor's advice and guidance.

After the Lesson

Ask for Feedback: Talk to the instructor about your child's progress and any areas they need to improve.
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge your child's achievements, no matter how small.
Listen to Your Child: Pay attention to their feelings and experiences during the lesson.
Encourage Practice: If possible, find opportunities for your child to practice what they've learned.

Additional Tips

Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Make sure the riding facility has proper safety measures in place and follow their rules.
Build a Relationship: Get to know the instructor and other parents to create a supportive community.
Have Fun: Enjoy the experience and create lasting memories with your child.
Your Child's Happiness: Riding may not be for everyone so it is important to make sure that your child enjoys the experience. Don't pressure your child to continue riding if he or she is fearful or doesn't enjoy it.
This is About the Child, Not You: Some people use their children's riding to claim some sort or social status in their community. This is tragic and shallow. Don't be one of those people. Period.

By following these tips, you can help create a positive and supportive environment for your child's horseback riding journey.

You can find more interesting stories in our sections on Health & Education and Youth Outreach. Take a moment to visit our curated Amazon Store.

When people with a passion for horses aren’t immersing themselves in the world of dressage or breeding horses, gaming is a preference for many of them. Of course, not every horse-related title is necessarily worth sampling, but there is certainly an array of hit games that deserve some serious attention.

After all, escaping the real world and exploring a product in a virtual environment appeals to people everywhere. Gaming does a remarkable job of providing this, with its popularity being entirely understandable given the plethora of innovative games people can sample these days. Alongside playing horse-themed games, there are augmented reality favorites, virtual reality hits, PvE vs. PvP titles, testing puzzle products, epic shooters, and so much more. For all things equine, there are also some standout releases to sample. Let’s look at five of them below.

Rival Stars Horse Racing is extremely fun

If dressage and show jumping aren’t your thing, then you might be partial to a bit of horse racing action instead. Rival Stars Horse Racing is a title that revolves around exactly that, as gamers everywhere continue to enjoy this brilliant mobile title. Boasting crisp graphics and a strong selection of stunning racecourses to master, Rival Stars Horse Racing is a highly pleasurable release that is capable of keeping you entertained for hours on end, particularly as players also have a ranch to maintain alongside their racing efforts.

Horse Farm is a great free game

Accessible on Steam at the time of writing, Horse Farm is one of the most charming releases in this particular category of gaming. In the title, players are tasked with building the ranch of their dreams. There are loveable horses to take care of, a diverse range of buildings to erect, quests to complete on a daily basis, and a comprehensive range of features that add further to this popular free release.

Horse Club Adventures is popular on Switch

For Nintendo Switch gamers, Horse Club Adventures is easily one of the very best releases from this particular genre. In the game, there are endless adventures to embark on with your virtual friends at Lakeside Riding Stable. With its eye-catching graphics and an array of quests to complete, you’ll enjoy this one, particularly as Hannah, Sarah, Lisa, and Sofia are there to keep you company.

The Sims 4 Horse Ranch Expansion Pack is superb

The Sims 4 is a fantastic game in its own right, but it can be improved further if you can manage to purchase its horse ranch expansion pack. Once acquired, players can raise, train, and form unbreakable bonds with their horses. Alongside caring for a range of other animals, this simulation masterpiece’s horse-themed instalment brings even more to the party. You can make a life for yourself on the ranch, with horses at the forefront. From rescuing horses to having them born on your land, The Sims 4 Horse Ranch Expansion Pack has it all. You can even take part in some equestrian events with your favourites.

Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch is a top PS5 title

For many people, it’s almost impossible to dedicate some of their valuable time to fairly limited releases on mobile devices. As such, sophisticated console machines, such as a PlayStation 5, tend to pique their interest given its immense power and the amazing graphics the games on it tend to possess. A title that fits the bill in that respect, Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch is a well-liked release. In the game, players set off on horseback as they aim to uncover the mysteries of Emerald Valley. It’s an unmissable adventure.

You can find more informative articles in our section on Health & Education.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

You can find real estate agents specializing in equestrian property, state by state, in our section on Real Estate. For example, here's the resources for real estate agents in California.

Equestrian Real Estate in California

There's even more informative and entertaining articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Colorado

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay — Image by JStefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Connecticut

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Florida

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Kentucky

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Maine

The Maine Real Estate Network

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Massachusetts

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.