Tevis Cup Brings Horse Property to Mind

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Auburn, known as “The Endurance Capitol of the World,” is hosting the world’s best known and most difficult endurance ride, The Tevis Cup. Riders from all over the globe come to participate in the one-day, 100-mile event begun by Wendell Robie in 1955.

With all eyes on this equestrian event, I thought I would put the focus of this week’s article on horse property in the Foothills.

I can’t think of a better way to talk about horse property than through the voice of local Realtors who specialize in the acquisition and sale of horse property. I admire and respect each one of these cowgirls!

Cynthia Clarkson of Clarkson Real Estate has three words: water, water, water.

“Without water you don’t have horse property,” Cynthia explained.

“The type of riding determines the type of horses and therefore the type of topography that is suitable for horse property. For example, horses ridden for endurance don’t require big flat areas. Many horse owners believe that hilly and rugged property actually keeps their endurance horses in better condition.” she explains.

Cynthia explained that dressage is probably one of the most disciplined of the equestrian sports. The horses used for dressage need larger flatter property with plenty of room for an arena.

“The gold in the Sierra Foothills is not yellow!” exclaimed Cynthia. “It is the experience of riding the most beautiful trails I have ever seen. You can dress up like a cowboy and ride down to the river and just splash around. The experience is very enlightening!”

“Another thing that makes the Foothills so unique is that you can actually afford to have your own backyard horse facility. You don’t have to board your horses. You can save $375 to $400 per month per horse. Backyard horse facilities help to create priceless relationships with you and your horses,” she continued.

“It is a really awesome experience to have a strong relationship with your horse and your sport. If you and your horse have a bond, when you ask them to excel, they will. They truly become your partner.”

Colleen Conley, a twenty-year Realtor with Lyon and Associates just returned from a wonderful week’s ride with fifty women. They rode to Cherry Valley, which is at the bottom of Carson’s Pass. The group is known as the LARKS, or ladies annual riding kaper.

Colleen believes that the three most important things to consider when buying horse property are topography, zoning and availability of water.

The topography needs to be suitable for auxiliary buildings such as round pens, arenas, barns, shelters, etc. The larger the acreage, the less critical useable property becomes. For example, if you have a 40-acre parcel, and ten acres is all you need for your intended use, the other thirty becomes less important.

I recommend that potential buyers of horse property check the county zoning ordinances. Best case is that a new horse facility will be in a compatible neighborhood. You want to be surrounded with like-minded neighbors who won’t complain about odors and flies.

Water is an essential. You want a high producing well, irrigation water or both. Gravity flow is the best because you don’t have to pay for the electricity to pump the water.

Colleen says, “I think that you are born with the love of riding horses. The Foothill area provides the opportunity to have horses in your own backyard. I love the relationship that develops between my horse and me; in fact, I call him ‘My Mane Man.’”

Holly Mraz, also a Realtor with Lyon, has been appraising and selling horse property since 1977. She also teaches real estate at Sierra College.

Holly advises, “You can’t start a horse property search without knowing the needs of the horses. It’s like the horse becomes your client. You have to know what kind of horses they are and how many there are. Knowing this helps to determine how large the property needs to be.”

“Just because you have acreage, doesn’t mean you can have horses. That’s where zoning comes in. I like to accompany my clients to the county planning department. We look over the rules and regulations.”

“I preview every property before showing it. I look for soil conditions, rocks, usability and erosion potential. I want to make sure that there is enough area for dry pasture as well as wet pasture. I check for barns and other out buildings. I make sure there is enough area for an arena and other necessary facilities,” she said.

“Of course water is very important, especially if you want to irrigate.”

“I think that Placer, El Dorado and Nevada Counties have amazing opportunities for the equestrian buyer. As an appraiser, I believe that the ability to ride to the trails adds a great deal of value to the property. If you choose a property that requires trailering to the trails. Make sure the route is easy. It will add to your enjoyment,” Holly opined.

I say choosing a horse property with the right amount of water, topography and zoning is a matter of Good Home $$s and Sense. Happy Trails!