Equestrian properties have earned a hotspot in real estate transactions within the last few years and many people are clamoring to find an excellent place for not only themselves to live, but their horses as well. The pandemic made city life difficult for some people, prompting them to make a huge lifestyle change and live somewhere quiet and less hectic where they can be close to nature—and that’s where equestrian properties come in. 

There are plenty of amazing rural areas to explore when looking for the ideal place for you and your four-legged friends. Westchester County, for example, is a great place to consider in your search, as it’s one of the most horse-friendly places in the state—not to mention it’s full of fantastic houses, old and new. If you’ve thought about buying a large farm property for yourself or your equestrian business, keep reading to see what you should look for and what things you should avoid. 

Ideal Counties For Breeding Ponies

Pony breeding has become quite popular in New York State, and provides many ideal counties to set up a breeding facility. Westchester County is one of the best counties in the state for pony breeding. Known for its lush green pastures and rolling hills, Westchester County offer plenty of open space, as well as access to horse-friendly amenities such as riding trails and parks, equestrian centers, boarding stables, and veterinary clinics. Did you know that Westchester County also hosts some of the most competitive horse racing events in the state?

Other ideal counties for setting up a pony breeding facility include Saratoga County, Suffolk County and Nassau County. Saratoga County is home to some of the most beautiful horse farms in the state with plenty of grazing and exercising spaces for your ponies. It features quality equestrian centers that provide excellent resources for breeders.

Suffolk County has plenty of open space for ponies to roam free while still being close to major cities like New York City. Fun fact—Suffolk County provides access to beaches and other recreational activities to be enjoyed by both you and your four-legged friends! As such, searching for horse property for sale in Long Island could be the perfect way to find your much desired dream home in the area.

Nassau County is known for its high-quality horse shows and competitions that draw breeders from all over the region. This particular county is home to many first class equestrian centers with exceptional services such as boarding, training, farrier services, veterinary care, and more.

There are many great counties in US to set up a successful pony breeding facility. No matter which county you choose, research local regulations as each county does have its own rules and regulations regarding animal care and safety that must be followed when operating a breeding facility. 

What Should I Check For When it Comes to Equestrian Property?

Buying a property that’s suitable for horses might sound pretty simple if you’re in an area surrounded by farmland, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll be able to find a place for breeding your animals. A beautiful home is great, but you need to have a good piece of land for your horses too. Here’s a list of a few things you should check out before you buy an equestrian property for horse breeding:

Understand the Laws

The first thing you need to look at is local zoning laws to ensure that you’re looking in an area that’s zoned for not only horses but commercial use of horses. Some places will allow animals for personal use but not for breeding or business, so you should check with the city and a property lawyer about the regulations before you purchase. 

We’ll talk a bit more in the article about the legal regulations that come into place for commercial equestrian properties, but these change all the time, and a lawyer is the best place to go if you want to get the updated requirements. 

Consider the Size

Another thing you need to consider is the size of the property and how many horses you are legally allowed to keep for the size of the farm. In Westchester County, for example, you need a minimum of two acres for the first horse on your property and an additional acre for each horse that will be living there. These requirements are in place for the safety and well-being of the horses.

Prioritize Your Needs

If you’re boarding more than ten horses, then you are required to get an additional permit from the city, and you cannot run a livery stable unless a use variance is obtained from New York State. These permits require a bit of time to get, and you’ll be unable to legally run your business unless you obtain them, so you need to make sure you are filing all of your paperwork before you start taking in customers. 

Take Condition Into Consideration

Properties go on the market for many different reasons, and one of the reasons some farm properties end up for sale is the upkeep. It can be challenging for some people to keep up with all of the maintenance that comes along with these larger properties, especially if it’s an older farm. This can sometimes lead to many areas that need repairing before the property can be safe. Fixing minor issues is easy, but preparing the farm for horses might take months instead of weeks if the property has become overgrown or uninhabitable. 

Scope Out the Location & Nearby Amenities

Horses need quite a bit when it comes to supplies and vet care, so you want to make sure you are building your facility in a location that gives you easy access to both of these. Ordering in supplies can be done, but it will often take longer and cost more, and it could be canceled entirely if you have bad weather in the area, so you can’t rely on getting deliveries. You also need to make sure you have vets in the area that have experience with horses and other farm animals so that you can ensure basic care is readily available.

What Other Things Do I Need to Consider Before Starting a Horse-Breeding Facility?

Breeding ponies and horses at your farm can be a lucrative business if you’re doing it the right way, so you should talk to some experts in the field. The New York Thoroughbred Breeders Association has a list of rules and regulations for potential breeders to follow, and they have their own registry of stallions in the state that are used for breeding. If you want to make sure the horses you’re breeding will be listed as New York-bred, then you need to follow their guidelines and register with them before you start breeding. 

There are many things you need to consider if you’re thinking about purchasing an equestrian property in Westchester County or elsewhere for horse breeding. Make sure you do some research into the local regulations and get your property in the best condition possible to give your horse breeding business the best chance of success.