I can see it in my mind’s eye – a cozy four-stall barn bordered by white post-and-rail fences and fronted by lush, green pasture with my horses happily grazing...all just outside my back door. It’s every horse owner’s dream. Equestrian properties have become more prevalent in the last few years with the rise of people looking to enjoy more outdoor activities and a more rural lifestyle. But it is not for the faint of heart. Horses are not your average domestic pet and a horse property is not your typical home. Equestrian properties are unique and tending to them is a full-time job that consists of constant hard work. The land serves a purpose beyond addressing the homeowner’s needs, and everything on the premises revolves around making sure the horses are at their best.

Those who own horses are passionate, dedicated, and have a special relationship with their horses, because there is something unique about those majestic creatures. When you own man’s original best friend, you belong to a very exclusive club. People bond with horses and they bond with other people who love horses too, creating a nifty little community of horse lovers. So that even if you don’t own property that can accommodate horses, living in the area or close to where you can board your horse, gives you membership in the equestrian community. Here, you can spend time doing what you love best with others who share your passion: training, tournaments, competition, horse shows, and more simply, just riding.

Although some equestrian estates are magnificent and luxurious, you don’t have to be rich to own property and live in an equine community. In fact, you can have several horses residing with you on a small property. Investment in a horse ranch or properties with horse facilities almost always yield positive financial returns, particularly in the Southern California, where you will find strong equestrian communities, miles of gentle rolling hills and wide-open spaces for trail riding, big blue skies and a LIFESTYLE reminiscent of bygone days.