The idea of moving to the Nashville Tennessee area including Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, White House, Pleasant View and Springfield and watching horses grazing peacefully outside the back door is for many a dream come true. But, while the image of rolling hills and white fences is easy to conjure up, finding an equestrian property in the Nashville area that meets your needs can be quite an undertaking. Search horse propeties in Cheatham, Robertson, Davidson and Sumner County.
It is extremely helpful to user a equestrian knowledgable real estate agent who knows what to look for and what your horses will require. This usually means using a Realtor® who owns horses and rides and works with them on a regular basis.
If you are a "horse person", then you know that an agent who shows you a 5 acre property,heavily wooded, with a steep slope down the back side, does not know what a horse needs. Many properties in our area have unusable acreage and knowing this can save you valuable time.
Kim Blanton owns horses and lives with them on a 14 acre farm horse in Robertson County, TN, just north of Nashville and Goodlettsville, Tennessee. She cares for them everyday and is knowledgeable in the neccesities of horse and land management.
In order to find the right middle Tennessee property for you and your horses, please give me a call or request a custom horse property search. I can provide this custom search to you, with no obligation. If we find something that might be of interest to you, I would be glad to work as your buyer's representative and show you any property you choose.
If you are still in the preliminary search phase and would like to go at a slower pace, I would be glad to help you at any time in the future.
Horse Property Checklist
To find the perfect horse farm or horse property in Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, White House,Springfield or other areas of Nashville, TN, here is a checklist of important items to remember in your search:
The Barn - Do you want to build your own barn or would you prefer to work with an existing structure? Many equine properties will have an existing barn or shelter for the horses. Ideally, you want to consider the following:
Structural - While there is a great deal of charm to many old barns; safety must be your first consideration. While remodeling is always an option, you may choose to replace the old barn with a modern and affordable
pre-refabricated barn.
Location - Consider the barns proximity to the road, house and storage facilities. Also, evaluate how its location will affect the risk of flooding.
Good ventilation- Barn ventilation is critical to your horses health. Good airflow and high ceilings are best.
Isle: Center aisle with non-slip flooring.
Feed room and Tack rooms - What are there locations and accessibility
Stalls- Consider size, flooring, construction, drainage and safety for your horse when looking at existing or planned stalls.
Stall Use - Do the stalls meet the needs of their intended use? For breeding facilities, broodmare and stallion stalls should be considerably larger and well removed from each other with ample barriers between stalls. For boarding barns, separate storage or tack areas are always a perk.
Safety - Are there exposed wires, cobwebs, uncovered electrical outlets, an abundance of wire eating mice, extension cords, hay and dust in all the nooks and crannys, etc? Will your horses be safe in this barn or will you need to re-model?
Pastures and Turn Outs - On every horse farm, there should be ample room to turn out your horses. Take the number of horses and intended use of the turnouts into consideration when selecting your property.
Road Access - The ability for trucks and horse trailers to access your farm easily is critical to the smooth operation of the facility. Regardless of the proximity to the main road, having a well-maintained, sturdy road to the barn and storage areas that allows large trucks to safely enter, and turn around, is imperative. Additonally, check the entrance to your driveway, is the entrance narrow, or, are there trees and ditches along the opposite side of the road that would make turning a large truck or trailer from turning in or out of your driveway?
Fencing - Most horse farms will have some sort of existing fencing. When evaluating the current fencing and planned improvements, it pays to think like a horse. The primary job of a fence is to safely contain your horses. If there is a way they can injure themselves, they will, so safety must be the main concern. That said, the aesthetics of your fence will add appeal and beauty to your horse property.
Arenas - If you do a lot of arena riding, your equestrian estate should have an existing arena or room to accommodate one. Don't underestimate the cost of building an arena or improving an existing one. Footing is a considerable investment that will affect the soundness of your horses and the amount of maintenance your arena will require. It is also important not to underestimate the need for a covered or indoor arena depending on the climate where you intend to buy.
Water - Horse farms need good access to water both in the barn and in the pasture. Making sure the plumbing meets your needs.
Lighting - Electricity is another factor that will affect the usability of your ranch. Barns need electricity if for no other reason than to use in an emergency. Arena lighting may also be necessary, particularly if you intend to use your horse property as a boarding facility.
Feed and Equipment Storage - Having ample hay, grain and equipment storage on your horse farm is both convenient and cost effective. It will prolong thelife of your feed by protecting it from the elements and minimize maintenance on farm equipment. Additionally, a secure feed area will protect horses that may get loose.
The House - Now, it is time to consider the home on your equestrian property. Does it meet your family needs? Is it convienient to the barn? Most horse persons consider their horses needs first and then their own. It is neccessay however, to make sure your living space will be adequate.
With a list of your priorities, amenities and wishes in mind, you can refine your search. Discussing your needs with an experienced equestrian real estate agent will help ease the process.