Horse Property for Sale in Washington County, WI

Do you want to know how to Buy a horse Property? Consider these:

1. The Horse Barn

   Do you want an existing structure or do you want to build your own new barn? Many properties will have an existing barn for the horses, so ideally you want your barn to have the following features: Ventilation
   Automatic Feeding/Watering Systems
   Grooming Stalls
   Tack Rooms
   Lounge Areas

2. Horse Property Zoning

   If you decide to construct a new barn, you need to check with local zoning regulations.  Codes can usually be found online under the municipality’s website. The code will also outline how many animals you can have per acre. To get approval for your barn, you need pictures and drawings of the proposed barn along with a floor plan and elevation drawings.

3. Structural Integrity

   Many existing barns possess a great deal of charm to many old barns, however safety  must be of the utmost concern. You will need to weight the cost of repairing an existing barn to replacing the barn with a new and modern barn. There many options While remodeling is always an option, you may choose to replace the old barn with a modern and affordable prefabricated barn. 

4. Horse Property Location

   Placement of your new barn is crucial. You need to consider the barn’s proximity to the road, house, storage facilities and the risk of flooding. You will need to consider existing power source, distance from your main barn, prevailing wind direction, air flow and exposure.  It’s wise to consider how far the barn is from your home especially if you be going back and forth throughout the day.

5. The Horse Stalls

   When considering stalls for your horse farm, you need to take into account: Can the horse escape? , injure yourself?  Injure your neighbor? Cause damage to the barn? Then take a really hard look and analyze the size, construction, and use of the existing or planned stalls. Check out this horse stall manufacturer. 

6. Horse Stall Construction

   In general every stall floor should be non-slip and matted (if it is not matted, this may be an excellent improvement idea for your barn). Solidly built walls made of wood or cement that go to the floor with no gaps between the boards are usually preferred.

7. Horse Stall Size

   A 10 foot x 10 foot stall can usually accommodate ponies and small horses. Larger horses are more comfortable in a 12 foot x 12 foot. Stalls with runs are preferred. In cold climates however, you may want to close the stall off from the run to provide for extra warmth. Stall doors should be wide enough with tall ceilings and solidly built dividers that minimize the risk of injury to both horse and owner.

8. Stall Use

   For breeding facilities, broodmare and stallion stalls should be considerably larger and far away from each other with enough barriers between stalls. For boarding barns, extra storage areas and closets are always a nice benefit.

9. Horse Property Road Access

   You will want your horse farm to have easy access to roads and trucks. It is very critical to the smooth operation of the facility.  Having a well-maintained, solid road to the barn that allows large trucks to enter and turn around, is very important.

10. Zoning for Horses

    If you decide to construct a new barn, you need to check with local zoning regulations.  Codes can usually be found online under the municipality’s website. The code will also outline how many animals you can have per acre. To get approval for your barn, you need pictures and drawings of the proposed barn along with a floor plan and elevation drawings.

11. Horse Fencing

    Horse farms have some kind of existing fencing. You need to evaluate the current fencing and planned improvements carefully to take into consideration the safety of the horse and owner. The primary job of a fence is to safely contain the horses. Horses will find a way to injure themselves if at all possible, so safety is the main concern. However, that being said, the aesthetics of your fence will add appeal and beauty to your horse property. Fencing options include:
    Wood Fencing
    Wood, while beautiful and generally safe, is difficult to maintain and can be very expensive.
    Electric Fencing
    Electric fences can discourage a horse’s natural tendencies to find something to hurt themselves on by providing both a physical and psychological barrier.
    Barbed Wire
    Generally speaking, avoid barbed wire fences at horse farms as they frequently lead to injury.
    Vinyl Fencing
    Recommended by many horse property owners, Vinyl fencing provides the aesthetic beauty of a traditional wood fence, but is safe and very durable.

12. Horse Pastures and Turn Outs

    Every horse farm should have enough room to turn out your horses. Consider the number of horses and intended use of the turnouts when selecting a horse property.

13. Horse Arenas

    Many horse property owners require a riding arena. Your equestrian estate should have an existing arena or room to accommodate an arena. Arenas can be very expensive to build or improve an existing one. Footing is a considerable investment that will have an impact on your horses and the amount of maintenance your arena will require. It is important not to underestimate the need for a covered or indoor arena depending on the climate where you intend to buy. Here is a list of all current Wisconsin horse properties for sale with Arenas.

14. Water Access

    Horse farms need access to fresh and clean water both in the barn and the pasture. Make sure the plumbing meets your needs and if you are in the northern climates, consider how you will get water to the barn in freezing conditions.

15. Lighting

    Electricity is another factor that will affect the usability of your horse property. Barns need electricity for the heat, water, lighting, and arena lighting. especially if you intend to operate a boarding facility.

16. Feed and equipment storage

    Having enough hay, grain and equipment storage on your horse farm is both convenient, cost effective and necessary. It will extend the life of your feed by protecting it from the elements, and minimize repairs on equipment. A secure feed area will protect horses that get loose from over-eating.
    Lastly (for most horse property fanatics!), you should consider the home on your horse property. Does it meet your family’s needs? Is it well placed in relation to the barn, work, schools?