Finding the Best Property for your Equestrian Endeavors

But before you sketch out that custom saddle and a try on a new cattleman hat, make sure you have the right property to accommodate the equestrian lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

When out hunting for the right ranch property for your equestrian endeavors, consider whether it comes equipped with a sturdy barn, safe pasture and proper fencing. While it can be a joy to create those things on your own, doing so can be a costly venture that requires significant planning.

In the Texas heat, horses need shade, shelter and access to fresh water. For a homeowner, that means having convenient access to water, whether it’s well water or via municipal hook-ups. Generally, horses drink five to 10 gallons of water per day. A lot more than most people, even horse lovers, want to haul around every day.

The solution is often a sturdy and stylish barn, perhaps the most important element to a beautiful ranch home. A nice barn should be close to a water source and have clean, adequate space to store equestrian equipment as well as supplies and feed.

The barn should be oriented with access to pasture areas and enough space for your animals.

“As a rule of thumb, a minimum of 80 square feet of floor space should be provided per 1,000 pounds of horse weight using the shed,” according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

Safe pasture is another key element. While horse have some common sense, it’s best to avoid pasture areas pocked with holes and crevasses that could lead to an injury. Experts recommend about two acres of space per horse.

Consider the proximity of the barn. Is it an easy morning stroll from the house? Is it wired with electricity and security features to keep your tools and equipment safe?

Once you’ve found the basic elements, it’s time to move onto aesthetics. The pasture and barn may be the horses’ home, but the fence is a big part of curb appeal that can help boost the value of your home.

Smaller paddocks require sturdier fencing. Pipe fencing requires less maintenance, although traditional three- to four-boarded wood fences may be more esthetically pleasing, and give you an opportunity to change colors if you wish.

Central Texas Hill Country is a prime place to own a ranch. Areas such as Driftwood, Wimberley and Spicewood abound with ranch-style homes with acreage for sale. All are relatively short drives — 45 minutes or less — from downtown Austin.

Many Hill Country neighborhoods have horseback riding facilities, training and tack stores.

But also consider your proximity to riding trails, such as Pedernales Falls State Park, as well as the quality of the roads between your home and riding areas, veterinarians and boarding ranches.

(For more on horse health and needs, consider checking resources at the American Association of Equine Practicioners.)