Buying property that can accommodate your horse(s) can be a good solution if you don’t want to stable your animal. The investment will pay off over the years.
There are several neighborhoods in Big Bear that are excellent locations for horses. North Baldwin Lake has an area especially developed as equestrian property. There are also a lot of horses in Erwin Lake, Lake Williams and Shay Meadow.
Big Bear requires a minimum of a half acre to keep one or two horse, allowing a maximum of four horses per acre. Although there are plenty of trails in the National Forest, you may need room for lunging and training.
- Stables are ideal. Big Bear can experience cold temperatures in the winter. If you intend to build a stable, find out what planning permissions you’ll need.
- If you are going to add a tack room, you’ll need to determine if you want to run electricity and water to the building.
- If training, look for a lunging ring made of decomposed granite.
- Make sure there is an easy entrance and exit to the horse area. Not only are you going to bring you horse in, you’ll also have feed deliveries and mucking to deal with.
- Fencing is imperative. It needs to be high enough to keep your horses contained (good luck if they’re jumpers!). Wooden fences are a great option if your horse doesn’t crib (chew fences). Sometimes a salt lick will help curb this habit. If cribbing is a real issue, you’ll need a sturdy metal fence.
- Look at the layout of the land. Is it flat or sloping? Flat land doesn’t drain well and can get mucky during the Spring. Ideal water drainage is a 2-5% natural slope. You can use Google Earth to check for evidence of past natural water flows.
- Find out your setback limits. Setback distance is the minimum distance for placing buildings from each other and from property lines, roads, etc.
It is best to learn as much as you can about the property. What are the future development plans for your neighborhood? What are the weather patterns? Which way, and how strong, are the prevailing winds? Is there a place for the horse to be in the shade? Is the water trough protected from blowing leaves and dust?
Don’t take anything for granted and formalize everything by getting it in writing. Let our professional agents guide you through zoning requirements and other land issues.
More About Equestrian Real Estate;
- Investing in Equestrian Property: Don’t Horse Around With the Details – Investing in equestrian property is the ideal solution for horse owners who don’t want to rent a livery stable. If you are planning to own your property for a long time, the extra expense involved in purchasing a property with land …
- Preparing Your Property To Keep A Horse At Home – Tips for preparing your property before bringing a horse home. Do you have good fencing? What kind of barn should you build? Be ready and don’t get caught out.
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