BUYING ADVICE
With approximately one million horses in the UK, it’s easy to see why equestrian properties are much in demand.
There is nothing quite like the pleasure and comfort of seeing your horses from your window much to be saved in time, fuel and every fees.
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As with everything certain consideration are essential to ensure that the property is right for your requirements.
A big factor in selecting the right type of property will be whether you are a casual weekend rider or a seasoned competitor. If you are someone who enjoys a quiet hack through the woods ideally you should be looking at one acre per horse with some nearby good outriding. We sell everything from large equestrian centres to a small cottage with a paddock.
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Other facilities which would be helpful but not essential would be a horse walker and/or riding arena. For the competitive rider, an indoor school, horse walker and parking for lorries etc are much more important. Proximity and easy road access to show grounds and relevant events for your discipline would also be a consideration for serious or professional riders.
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As always the old adage of location, location, location remains true and because equestrian properties require ample land, they are often located in rural settings and can only be accessed by B roads - something that needs to be considered for trainers and lorries.
Other aspects to consider about the property’s location are the local equestrian amenities such as vet, farrier, chiropractor, feed merchant, venues, riding clubs, arenas for hire etc.
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The quality of the land is especially important when dealing with equestrian properties as the horses will be living on it almost exclusively. Land with free-draining soil is ideal, as it is easy to manage throughout the year. Ideally, a minimum of one acre of grazing land per horse should be the rule but more if possible as it allows rotational grazing of pastures or room to add further facilities like an arena.
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Horses drink on average between five and ten gallons of water per day, so it makes huge sense to have paddocks connected to the main supply in terms of labour saving.
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If you are looking at properties that already have equestrian facilities, it should have stables, a lockable tack room, mains electricity and water. Most horses will be comfortable in a standard size stable which is 12’x12’. Stables should face away from prevailing winds, be well-ventilated and dry.
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If the buildings are insured, and the domestic stables are damaged by an insured peril, insurance companies will usually pay the cost of reasonable alternative stabling for your personal ponies and horses while the building is re-instated or repaired.
By its very nature the keeping of equines necessitates a lot of accessories and equipment so adequate storage space is essential. You will need to think about hay, feed storage, tack, machinery etc. Other features such as all-weather walking or a hard-standing area are also important. Whether you’re looking for a country estate or a stable on a few acres, owning an equestrian property is sure to be one of the best things you can do for you and your horses if you choose the right property.
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