For many equestrian enthusiasts, having a place for their horses to run free is a dream come true. Finding the right property, however, requires careful consideration of a few major necessities for owning and raising horses. 

During a recent episode of the National Land Podcast, KY Land Professional Grace Jenkins shared her experiences in raising quarter horses as well as some of the requirements for horse properties that landowners need to take into account when looking to buy land to raise horses. 

Here are a few factors to consider!

How Much Land Do Horses Need?

One of the biggest requirements for a horse property is having sufficient space to support them. The general rule of thumb is that each horse needs roughly 1-2 acres of land, but this can change dramatically depending on geographic location, rain totals affecting forage production, types of cool and warm season grasses available, and pasture quality.

Grazing horses can be very hard on pastureland, which is why Jenkins advocates for having a bit more land for raising horses. Regarding the amount of land necessary, Jenkins stated, “You’d probably want 2-3 acres per horse because they’re horrible on a pasture. They’ll eat one spot and just gnaw it down to the ground. So it’s crucial to make sure you’ve got plenty of space and pasture to rotate them and move them around.” If you don’t have enough acres of quality nutrient grass for your horse, you’ll need to supplement with feed and hay.

Shelter and Stalls

Adequate shelter is a primary requirement for owning horses to keep them protected from extreme weather conditions. Common forms of horse shelter include barns, three-sided run-in sheds, and individual stalls. These structures are typically 150+ square feet per horse and feature ceilings upwards of 10 feet high so the horses don’t feel cramped. 

One factor to consider is drainage, as excessive water can create flooding and muddy shelter conditions. Excessive mud and water can lead to hoof issues and slippery conditions, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Ensuring shelters aren’t in low-lying areas and have proper drainage is paramount to protecting the horses living in them.

The number of horses you own will determine the size of your barn and the number of stalls required. While trees can offer shade, a robust shelter is essential for protecting your horses during storms and winter months. This is a critical aspect of a suitable equine property.

Proper Fencing and Pasture

As noted above, quality pasture is necessary for providing horses with grazing opportunities and enough room to roam. Take some time to assess soil and forage qualities. Fencing is the other major component to quality pastures. Adding new fencing or repairing existing fences can create an extra expense when buying a property to raise horses. Different owners prefer different types of fences for horses, so it’s important to do some research before making any decisions regarding fencing.

Speaking to this point, Jenkins stated, “The first thing to do is make sure the property is properly fenced. Make sure there are no gaps or broken posts. We use woven wire for our fences, some people use barbed wire, but we prefer woven. My family does not believe in using hot wire, if that works for you, then great, but we don’t use it.”

Feed and Water

Like any animal, horses require constant supplies of fresh water and food to stay healthy. If a property doesn’t have natural water sources, then landowners will need to either drill a well or connect to a municipal water supply. Both of these will require an additional cost and should be factored into the purchase price of any potential property.

When it comes to feeding, owners are faced with the choice between grass grazing or grain-based feed to support their horses. According to Jenkins, pasture is fine for most horses, but animals raised for high performance should have some grain in their diet. This is because a strictly grass diet can cause bloating, whereas a grain diet keeps horses lean. Depending on the intended use of the horses, owners will need to adjust their diet accordingly. It’s also important to have a dedicated tack room or storage space for food and other supplies related to the care of your animals. 

Owning horses is an incredibly rewarding experience, but requires careful planning and commitment. By taking the factors detailed above into consideration, landowners can ensure that their properties are well-equipped to support the animals so near and dear to their hearts. 

If you’ve got additional questions about owning horses, contact Grace Jenkins at Gjenkins@NationalLand.com or reach out to your local Land Professional today!