You’ve dreamed about it for years—the perfect horse ranch. A few horses grazing on your land, a beautiful barn, an arena for training or riding, and maybe even a little side income from boarding horses. Life is good. It should be easy, right? You find the property, make an offer, and start living your dream. If only it were that simple!
Let’s start by saying this: we’re not here to bash your neighborhood realtor or your well-meaning friend who sells homes. What we are here to tell you is that purchasing an equine property is far more complex than buying a typical home. If you’re serious about buying a horse property, you need an equine expert by your side. Here’s why.
Not Every “Horse Property” Is Actually a Horse Property
Just because a listing says “horse property” doesn’t mean it truly is. In Arizona, there are communities where city ordinances or HOA rules restrict the number of horses you can keep—or even prohibit them altogether. For example, some areas in Arizona require a minimum amount of land to keep livestock. There’s a neighborhood in the 85259 zip code where the HOA allows no more than two horses per acre. Another area requires at least five acres to obtain a commercial use permit for boarding horses.
These restrictions don’t always show up in the title report, and they’re not something a general home inspector is going to catch. This is why it’s crucial to have an agent who knows the ins and outs of equine zoning and regulations.
The Inspection Process: Beyond the Basics
When you’re purchasing a horse property, the 10-day inspection period becomes critical. You’re not just inspecting the house—you’re inspecting the entire property. Are the barn, arena, and other structures properly permitted by the city? Did the previous owner install water systems, fly systems, or arenas without city approval?
These aren’t just minor details. Un-permitted structures can create major issues when it comes to obtaining a loan, securing insurance, or avoiding costly fines in the future. A qualified equine specialist will dig into these details to ensure everything is in order.
Understanding the Equine Lifestyle
Buying a horse property isn’t just about land and barns—it’s about supporting your equestrian lifestyle. Whether you’re into roping cattle, jumping, dressage, or halter training, your property needs to align with your goals. For example:
• If you’re roping cattle, you’ll likely need at least 2.5 acres for proper setups.
• If you’re boarding horses, you’ll want a tack room, lighted arena, cross ties, walkers, and pellet tanks.
• If you’re a jumper or dressage rider, the quality and footing of the arena are critical.
A standard real estate agent might not even know what half of these terms mean. But an equine specialist will not only understand—they’ll know how to assess a property to ensure it meets your needs.
Why Trust Matters
When you’re buying a horse property, you need to trust your agent. Trust that they understand your goals. Trust that they’ve lived the equestrian lifestyle and know the difference between a mare motel and a traditional barn. Trust that they’ll help you find a property where you can truly ride off into the sunset.
Why The Grandon Group?
At The Grandon Group, Arizona’s number one brother and sister real estate team, we are equine specialists. Stacy and Jason Grandon grew up on the Grandon Arabians Ranch in North Scottsdale, a world-renowned Arabian horse breeding and training facility. Stacy was a world-class trainer who traveled the country showing horses, while Jason helped produce events like the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
We’ve lived the equestrian lifestyle firsthand, and we understand the unique needs of horse property buyers. From zoning regulations to barn design to arena footing, we’ve got the knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect ranch for your needs.
Buying a horse property should be exciting and fun—not a source of stress. So, whether you’re looking to train, board, or simply enjoy your horses, reach out to The Grandon Group. We’ll make sure your dream ranch becomes a reality.
Let’s saddle up and make it happen!
Contact The Grandon Group today for all your equine and livestock property needs.
Stacey Grandon can be reached at 602-312-5610
Jason Grandon can be reached at 480-276-2954
Or check out www.THEGRANDONGROUP.com brokered by My Home Group and Fathom Realty
