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Article
"Equestrian Communities,
are they the "New Golf?"
According to an article in the Denver
Post, "In the world of residential development, horses are the
new golf." Some industry experts say golf-course communities
have hit a saturation point. That's among the reasons the Prescott,
Arizona-based development firm M3 Cos, which previously focused on
golf developments, is bringing its American Ranch brand to Douglas
County. The 2,100-acre Sandstone Ranch Equestrian Development, with
106 homesites, features an $8 million equestrian facility.
With approximately 2 million horse owners and approximately 9.2
million privately owned horses throughout the United States
(according to the American Horse Council) it is no wonder that
well-designed equestrian developments are popping up across the
country. Master-planned subdivisons designed for the equestrian
family have been around for more than 40 years; however, their
numbers have increased dramatically in the last seven years. It is
estimated there are between 250 to 300 recently developed equestrian
communities in existence throughout the United States alone. These
new communities, as well as their already established predecessors,
attract folks seeking a refuge from urban congestion and suburban
monotony, not to mention irksome commutes to visit their beloved
horses at distant boarding stables.
Empty parcels in equestrian communities can be found at prices
ranging from $50,000 to $350,000, depending on the size, amenities,
and location. Smaller parcels within the city limits of
horse-friendly town such as Burbank Rancho, LA, or Brentwood CA, in
southern California, run about 1/3 acre 1 acre. Most other
developments offer larger parcels (2 to 5 acres). However, others
have parcels upwards of 20 to 40 acres for those with those who
dream of ranch-style living.
Nearly all equestrian communities have homeowners’ dues to maintain
communal amenities such as trails, stables, paddocks, arenas, golf
courses, and/or club houses. A horse-friendly and diligent
board-of-directors that keeps a watchful eye on the maintenance
costs and condition of these facilities is highly desirable. Many
prospective buyers ask to see the last three months’ minutes of
board meetings to check for potential management problems or
disputes among resident home and horse owners.
By:
Marie Griffith,
CEO of MyEquestrianCommunity.com and
BuyHorseProperties.com; and soon to be published MyEquestrianVacation.com. Marie is
a leading horse property
Realtor, now Retired, previously marketing and selling property
in equestrian communities and horse ranches in California. Marie has been an
agent since 1975 who now resides in Taos, NM, with her husband Dave
Griffith, and their two trail horses, Rhea and Sheik, Marie focuses
on their websites with husband, Dave, a retired software engineer,
and their
daughter, Sue Griffith-Aguirre, who works on the site remotely from Coconut
Creek, FL.
Comments, additions, questions, or yes "buts"
Email Marie
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