The Essential Checklist for People Seeking Horse-Friendly Land in Texas

Buying land is a significant investment, especially if you are looking for property that can accommodate your horses.

Owning a horse and making riding a central part of your recreational life isn’t easy, especially if you live in a city like Fort Worth. The cost of boarding, the time it takes to travel to and from boarding facilities, transportation costs if you want to take your horse out for trail riding, feed and supplies, and veterinary care are all challenges horse owners face.

Most importantly, many people living in cities struggle to see their horses or ride as much as they’d like due to the unavoidable time constraints imposed by busy lives.

Building a second home or buying land in a private development like Ranger Ridge may provide an ideal solution. Our state-of-the-art equestrian and boarding facilities solve many of the issues faced by outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend more time riding and enjoying the companionship of their animals.

You don’t have to spend a lot of extra money building stables and barns, setting aside pasture or arena space, dealing with feed storage, or transporting your horse long distances to go trail riding. All these amenities and features are minutes away for community members.

Ranger Ridge has more than 30 miles of picturesque horse riding trails, a full-size roping arena, more than 40 acres of pasture and riding space for horses, and much more. Residents can visit their horses any time and enjoy peace of mind knowing the highly skilled professionals in our equine facility provide best-in-class care.

Building a home in a Texas private community designed and tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, including those passionate about horse riding, is often the preferable choice for horse owners seeking land. It’s far more cost-effective than buying undeveloped land and transforming it into horse-friendly property or dealing with the often complex logistics of care and upkeep on your own.

Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Before purchasing any piece of land, it’s crucial to investigate the zoning and land-use regulations. Local laws can limit what you’re able to do with the property, particularly if you intend to keep horses or build stables. Check for any restrictions that may prohibit building barns, trails or fences and make sure the property is zoned for agricultural or recreational use if those are your goals.

Horse owners also need to ensure their land is large enough to provide adequate pasture space, arena space and accommodate structures such as stables and paddocks.

Topography and Terrain

The land’s topography is a critical factor when purchasing property for equestrian or recreational purposes. You need to evaluate the lay of the land to ensure it’s suitable for the activities you plan to pursue.

Flat or gently rolling terrain that provides adequate drainage and room for constructing barns and arenas may be preferable. Avoid steep or rocky areas that could pose hazards for horses. You should also consider the accessibility of trails or pastureland as well.

Soil Quality and Pasture Management

For equestrians, soil quality is critical for maintaining healthy pastures, so that grass and plants grow abundantly for grazing.

The soil should drain well to prevent mud buildup and hoof problems, while still being fertile enough to sustain pasture. If you’re considering purchasing a lot that can accommodate your horses, you may want to have the soil tested to check for nutrients, drainage capacity and soil composition.

Water Sources and Irrigation

Access to water is another top consideration when buying land, especially for equestrians who need a reliable water source to maintain animals and pastureland.

Make sure there’s a dependable source of water on the property, whether through municipal water or a well or a stream. You’ll need water for your horses, as well as for maintaining pastures, and possibly for an arena if dust control is a concern.

Fencing and Boundaries

Knowing the boundaries of your land is crucial for planning activities and maintaining safety, especially for equestrian properties where secure fencing is a must.

A sturdy, well-constructed fence is essential to keep horses safe and secure. Ensure that the property boundaries are clear and that you have the ability to install or upgrade fencing as needed. Electric, wood or metal fencing is popular for equestrian properties depending on the layout and budget.

Explore Your Dream Property with Ranger Ridge

If you're a horse owner looking for land that can accommodate your horses, Ranger Ridge can provide the best possible solution. Lots are large enough to accommodate stables, but many members prefer to board at our top-of-the-line, in-community equestrian facility staffed by dedicated professionals.

Contact us here today or give us a call at (817) 618-6773 to learn about our equestrian facilities and your custom home-building options.