Premier Equestrian Communities for Horse Enthusiasts
Embrace the equestrian lifestyle in communities designed for those who share a passion for horses. Ideal-LIVING's curated selection of equestrian communities combines luxury living with state-of-the-art equestrian facilities. Discover your perfect home where you can ride, train, and bond with your horse right in your backyard.
Equestrian communities offer horse lovers complete facilities for riding, racing, stabling and showing their prized thoroughbreds in a variety of rural settings.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect retirement community in the mountains or closer to the coast, you’ll discover ideal homes for horses and their owners throughout the South and beyond. In fact, the farmlands and pastures in the midlands areas of southern states are where you’ll find some of the nation’s finest equestrian breeding and training facilities.
Why Choose an Equestrian Community?
Unmatched Equestrian Facilities
Explore communities with comprehensive equestrian centers, offering everything from expansive riding trails to professional training arenas. Enjoy on-site stables, grooming stations, and veterinary services designed for your horse's comfort and care.
A Community of Horse Lovers
Join a vibrant community where neighbors share your enthusiasm for equestrian activities. Participate in community riding events, competitions, and social gatherings centered around a love for horses.
Luxurious Amenities Beyond the Stable
Beyond the equestrian facilities, these communities offer luxurious amenities such as golf courses, spas, dining options, and fitness centers, ensuring an enriched lifestyle for all residents.
Unrivaled Equestrian Facilities at Your Doorstep
On-Site Horse Stables
If you already have a horse or horses of your own, you know the quality and convenience of the community stables are of primary importance. In retirement communities that feature the equestrian lifestyle, those facilities are often located on-site or on an adjoining property. That proximity makes it easy to include horseback riding in your fitness routine on any day of the week. Other retirement communities appealing to horse owners have arrangements with nearby equestrian facilities that are just a short drive down the road. And if you don’t own a horse, most of these fine equestrian communities have several in their stables available for activities like trail riding.
Equestrian Services
The best equestrian-oriented retirement communities feature stable facilities that offer complete horse-care services. These include comfortable barns and stables, daily feeding and grooming, and regular exercise regimes. Most have secure fields or enclosed pastures where horses can run, graze and socialize. Training programs for horses and riders are also available from experienced staff members, as well as on-call veterinary services from professionals who know how to provide both routine and emergency care.
Trail Riding
For many horse owners, trail riding through the countryside on their mounts is a favorite fresh-air activity. Equestrian communities often have a miles-long trail network located on their property or offer convenient access to bridle paths that meander through nearby state parks, national forests and wildlife preserves. So, when the grandkids come to visit, you can take them along for the ride on a naturally fun recreation no theme park can match.
Horse Races and Shows
Retirement communities for horse lovers are frequently located in areas with horse-racing tracks and horse-show arenas. Many of these competitive events are part of annual festivals celebrating the equestrian lifestyle, while other facilities feature a weekly schedule of activities during the spring, summer and fall months. And don’t forget the polo matches and steeplechase events that are often highlights of the local social calendar in the South. In Western states, rodeo events are popular gatherings for horse lovers and other competition spectators.
Equestrian Lifestyle
Finding new like-minded friends who share a love of the lifestyle is among the best reasons for choosing an equestrian community for retirement. Each has a riding club so that residents can enjoy the trails in groups and organize outings to regional equestrian events. Many have social activities that can include dining and dancing, while an increasing number host community-outreach activities that bring people and horses together for equestrian education, therapy and fun.
Finding Your Ideal Equestrian Community
Best States for Horseback Riding
Discover the states renowned for their equestrian communities, offering the best trails, climates, and landscapes for horseback riding.
Explore Luxurious Equestrian Community Homes for Sale
Browse through listings of beautiful homes in equestrian communities, featuring properties that cater to both you and your horses’ needs.
FAQs about Equestrian Communities
What Makes a Community Equestrian-Friendly?
Understand the key features that define equestrian communities, from trail access and riding arenas to horse care facilities.
Can I Bring My Horse?
Most equestrian communities welcome residents to bring their horses, offering boarding facilities and care services to accommodate them.
What Exactly is an Equestrian Community?
An equestrian community is a planned community specifically designed for residents who own horses or enjoy equestrian sports. These communities typically offer a variety of facilities such as stables, riding trails, and arenas, allowing residents to easily enjoy horseback riding and care within close proximity to their homes.
What Makes Equestrian Communities Appealing?
The appeal of equestrian communities lies in their unique blend of residential living with comprehensive equestrian facilities. Residents enjoy the convenience of on-site equestrian amenities, which may include boarding, training, and grooming services, as well as social events centered around a shared passion for horses. The lifestyle promotes a close-knit community atmosphere among fellow equestrian enthusiasts.
Are There Affordable Equestrian Communities?
Yes, there are affordable equestrian communities available, offering a range of pricing to accommodate different budgets. While some luxury communities may come with a higher price tag due to upscale amenities and services, other communities offer more modest pricing without sacrificing access to equestrian facilities.
What Are the Cons of Living in Equestrian Communities?
Potential downsides might include maintenance costs associated with equestrian facilities and the responsibility of adhering to community rules and regulations.
What is the Best State for Equestrian Activities?
States like Kentucky, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," and Florida, with its mild climate and extensive equestrian facilities, are often considered among the best states for equestrian activities. However, the best state can vary based on specific equestrian interests, climate preferences, and community atmosphere.
Where is Equestrian Most Popular in the US?
Equestrian activities are most popular in states with a strong horse racing and breeding heritage, such as Kentucky, and in areas with a vibrant equestrian culture, such as Wellington, Florida, and parts of California and Texas.
What is the Largest Equestrian Center in the United States?
The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, is one of the largest equestrian centers in the United States, offering a museum, live demonstrations, and competitions. Another notable mention is the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina, known for hosting a wide range of equestrian events.
What Are the Benefits of Living in Equestrian Communities?
Benefits include access to state-of-the-art equestrian facilities, a community of fellow horse enthusiasts, and often, picturesque natural surroundings. These communities also tend to offer a tranquil, rural lifestyle with the convenience of amenities designed for horse care and riding.
Where Do Most Equestrians Live?
Most equestrians gravitate towards areas with a strong equestrian culture, ample riding trails, and community support for equestrian activities. This includes both rural areas known for horse farming and certain upscale suburban communities with equestrian facilities.
Research and Explore Equestrian Communities Around The U.S.
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Click to explore the following equestrian communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Woodside
This master-planned, active-adult lifestyle community enjoys Woodside’s prime location in our hometown of Aiken, SC, a Southern Living Magazine’s “South’s Best Small Town.”
On top of Aiken’s preserved natural beauty, low cost of living, and mild year-round climate, this private destination consistently captivates visitors with its downtown streets filled with exceptional local restaurants, charming shops and boutiques, Gilded-Age mansions, nature sanctuaries, plus various artistic and cultural events like Aiken’s Makin’ Craft Show, the Aiken Steeplechase, and the Joye in Aiken Festival.
Woodside itself houses a variety of world-class amenities, including 4 championship golf courses, 2 clubhouses, more than 60 member-led social groups and clubs, 2 resort-style pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, more than 17 miles of hiking and nature trails, 7 landscaped parks and green spaces – including a dedicated Butterfly Park – and much more! Combined with the timeless beauty of our community’s expertly designed neighborhoods, Woodside and Aiken are now one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Ready to experience Woodside and Aiken for yourself? Request more information below.
Aquamar Vilamoura – Portugal
Living and enjoying life in the Southern Region of Portugal – Algarve is a delightful experience that combines the best of both worlds: a relaxed, sun-kissed lifestyle and a vibrant, culturally rich environment. Here’s a description of what it’s like for people who call the Algarve their home:
Nestled along the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve is a haven for those seeking a life of tranquility and beauty. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of palm trees and the scent of saltwater in the air. The region’s Mediterranean climate ensures that sunny days are the norm, allowing you to embrace outdoor living throughout the year.
Your days in the Algarve are filled with endless possibilities. You can start by savoring a leisurely breakfast at a seaside café, where the freshly baked pastries are as warm as the smiles from the friendly locals. As the day unfolds, you might choose to explore the stunning coastline, where golden beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a serene backdrop for swimming, surfing, or simply basking in the sun.
For those with a penchant for culture, the Algarve offers a treasure trove of historic towns, each with its own unique charm. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, discover ancient castles perched on hilltops, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of traditional Portuguese festivals and fado music that resonates with the soul.
Food lovers will find themselves in culinary paradise, with fresh seafood served at quaint beachside shacks and Michelin-starred restaurants alike. The Algarve’s cuisine is a tantalizing blend of flavors, where grilled sardines, succulent octopus, and aromatic cataplana dishes take center stage. And don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass of locally produced wine or a refreshing sip of medronho, the region’s famous firewater.
The Algarve isn’t just about leisure; it’s also about well-being. Spend your afternoons exploring nature reserves, hiking along rugged cliffs, or teeing off on world-class golf courses. The Ria Formosa Natural Park, with its intricate lagoons and birdlife, provides a peaceful escape for those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
Oldfield by Stanley Martin Homes
Incredible home designs and luxury amenities amongst a backdrop of natural Lowcountry beauty in Bluffton, SC. Play 18 holes of golf on the private Greg Norman golf course or challenge a friend to a tennis match, take a riding lesson at the equestrian center or a fitness class at the sports club, rent a kayak at the Outfitters Center to head out on the Okatie River, or make a reservation for dinner at one of the onsite restaurants. There is truly something for everyone at Oldfield.
Choose from five single-family home designs, starting from the upper $700s: The Seaside, The Seabury, The Moreland, Riverside, and The Tidalview. Front and rear porches for outdoor living, main level Owner’s Suites, gourmet kitchens, and so much more.
Anderson Farms
Anderson Farms is an equestrian-friendly, sustainable living community where neighbors enjoy a pastoral lifestyle just minutes from the modern luxuries and charming Southern hospitality of our hometown in Aiken, South Carolina, a Southern Living Magazine’s “South’s Best Small Town.”
Enhanced by Aiken’s mild year-round climate, low cost of living, and stunning natural beauty, Anderson Farms offers homesites between 2-5 acres in addition to a variety of world-class amenities. On top of stunning views of the countryside’s breathtaking private forests and meadows, neighbors enjoy access to a barn-style community center with a communal chicken coop, produce garden, and equestrian riding and workout ring. Convenient to the community is the 110-acre nature sanctuary of Hollow Creek Land Preserve, filled with miles of walking and riding trails and a pond with dock access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Combined with Aiken’s thriving downtown atmosphere filled with eclectic local eateries, shops, and boutiques, plus an optional membership at The Reserve Club with championship golf courses, a resort-style pool, and more, Anderson Farms offers residents the ideal destination to flourish in a rustic-luxe environment.
Ready to experience Anderson Farms and Aiken, SC for yourself? Request more information below.
Retire NC
North Carolina has always been recognized for its natural diversity and gracious hospitality, which now has made it into an extremely popular retirement destination. Choices abound for a healthy, happy retirement setting, whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy the great outdoors in our mountains or stay busy in a bustling city. The North Carolina Certified Retirement Community designation means a city has completed a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly. These Certified Retirement Communities are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.
City of ReidsvilleLIVE SIMPLY, THINK BIG isn’t just our tagline, it’s our way of life. We aren’t limited by |
Johnston CountyJohnston County (JoCo) offers you more than you expect in retirement! Discover a blend of history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping, along with a generous helping of true southern hospitality. With a growing culinary and craft beverage scene, as well as revitalized downtowns, you don’t have to travel far from home to find what you are looking for. The unique communities that make up JoCo have one thing in common–a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. |
Rumbling Bald on Lake LureIf you are looking to build or purchase in an exceptional mountain golf community, it’s time to look closer at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. You will find a few choice, undeveloped properties within our community at pleasantly affordable prices along with several spectacular homes in a variety of settings. You can come today; enjoy our lake and golf, and choose the opportunity to live in a remarkable community. |
Person CountyNestled in the northern piedmont of North Carolina, a short commute from the Triangle and southern Virgina, Person County is home to rolling hills, farmers markets, lakes, and trails. With two beautiful wineries, live music venues, historic general stores, and Uptown Roxboro, Person County values its history and community while embracing the new. No matter what you choose, life in Person County is homegrown, just for you. |
NYA Costa Rica
Nya brings the beach to you in an innovative 900-hectare community designed to bring everything you love about Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and everything you need to live, work, and play into a master plan designed for the 21st century.
Alongside our beachfront residences, our master plan includes sites for the country’s first crystal lagoon, hotels, a state-of-the-art sports facility, restaurants, retail, entertainment, and free trade zones to be developed during multiple phases.
Nya fuses entertainment with a commitment to sustainability and local culture. Offering the first beachfront condominiums in Liberia, Guanacaste, you can recharge on spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise clear waters powered by Crystal Lagoons®, enjoy exhilarating water sports, discover the beautiful flora and fauna of Guanacaste, and spend a fun evening out with friends and family while just steps from your front door.
Nya is strategically located less than 10 minutes from the Guanacaste International Airport, the best private schools, hospitals, and grocery stores. It is also centrally located between Guanacaste’s pristine beaches, world-class marinas, national parks, and volcanoes.
Alliance Home & Land Group
Keller Williams Premiere
Nestled along Georgia’s Lake Country shores are a wide array of communities to call home for even the most discerning of those looking to retire or relocate. There is no shortage of the finest golf courses, pickleball is all the rage, and a Ritz Carlton is in our backyard. Perfectly situated East of Atlanta for the convenience of a major airport and yet far enough removed to "get away from it all". Other notable spots: Athens, GA home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, Madison, GA winner of “Best Small Town in America” and Augusta, GA home to The Masters Tournament – just to name a few.
Georgia’s Lake Country isn’t just a place, it’s a lifestyle! There is truly something for everyone and at every price point.
From land to lake homes…love where YOU live!
Reynolds Lake Oconee • Great Waters • Cuscowilla • Harbor Club • Del Webb on Lake Oconee • Lake Oconee to Lake Sinclair • Athens to Macon • Madison to Milledgeville and everywhere in between.
The Mayan Garden – Belize
The Mayan Garden is an exclusive retirement community for residents age 50+, located in the English-speaking country of Belize, C.A., a perfect tax haven for retired expats. Our exclusive private community can only accept up to 24 residents to join and live within the 20-acre residential jungle garden property. We are immersed in a natural setting with access to many conveniences and amenities, offering our residents a very comfortable, easy-going yet higher quality of life. Our community is designed to offer residents an independent way of life with many benefits to service and assist in every way possible for enrichment, safety, health, convenience, adventure and relaxation. The Mayan Garden is family-owned with a mission is to Offer Affordable Retirement Housing With a Wholesome Enriching Lifestyle.
The community offers its residents an all-inclusive living rental package that includes their rent, utilities, room furnishing, housekeeping, Concierge, Security, Medical Faculty, Chef-prepared Meals, Classes, Weekly Events, Activities and many more on-site services. Our Amenities include an indoor pool, sauna, hot-tub, yoga studio, gym, and pet friendly walking trails.
The Ranches at Belt Creek
The Ranches at Belt Creek preserve and celebrate a uniquely American way of life. Set among the rolling plains and majestic mountains of Montana, the Big Sky Country will satisfy your every desire for adventure and serenity. Imagine encompassing a luxury mountain lodge, the nostalgia of a working ranch, the peacefulness of casting a line down the creek, and the thrill of world-class skiing all in one. If you seek liberation from ordinary life, treasure your family and legacy, and want to be immersed in nature’s beauty, this luxury ranch resort awaits.
Welcome Home Mississippi
Wide open spaces, lush greenery and sandy white beaches – what better place to retire than in Mississippi? Mississippi also is the most affordable state for retirement, with a cost of living 14% lower than the national average and total retirement spending the lowest in the nation.
With 13 certified retirement communities, each one a vibrant and hospitable area, the options are plentiful, and each one offers a quality of living unmatched anywhere else in the U.S. Whether you dream of living in the same city as the King of Rock ‘n Roll, or enjoy outdoor activities like golfing or festivals, retiring in the Magnolia State is full of options for every lifestyle.
We look forward to welcoming you home!
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ABERDEEN |
BRANDON |
CLEVELAND |
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PICAYUNE |
HATTIESBURG |
MADISON |
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CLINTON |
OXFORD |
TUPELO |
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SOUTHAVEN |
STARKVILLE |
NATCHEZ |
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NEW ALBANY |
VICKSBURG |
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Rarity Bay
The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region.
At Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake, you’ll find a variety of real estate options, including homes, rentals, condos, and sites ready for development. The turnkey single-family homes are large, with sweeping views and plenty of space to spread out when guests inevitably come to visit. Pools, courtyards, patios and firepits make the outdoors an extension of your space. For those that make boating an everyday element of life, there are plenty of waterfront lots waiting for your custom-built dream home.
Water skiing, recreational boating, fishing and kayaking are all popular pastimes on Tellico Lake, and Rarity Bay offers over 10 miles of shoreline and a number of community docks for easy access. Golfers will delight in the par-72, 18-hole golf course, designed by DJ DeVictor and Peter Langham. The professionally maintained stables make it easy for equestrians to board their horses and offers lessons for the casual rider looking to take advantage of the 125 miles of riding (and hiking) trails.
Renovated in 2020, the 11,000 square foot Country Club is a social hub with a bistro and full-service bar. Just outside, you’ll find lighted tennis courts, pickleball facilities, and a swimming pool.
Tennessee’s low cost of living, 0.64% effective property tax, and lack of tax on salaries as well as income made on dividends are added bonuses to life in the Volunteer State. The real draw is what’s beyond your front door. So come to Rarity Bay and make the majestic Smoky Mountains and clear waters of Tellico Lake the backdrop for your vacation getaway, second residence or forever home.
Request more information about Rarity Bay.
Seabrook Island
A private oceanfront community only 20 miles from charming Charleston, SC, Seabrook Island offers a rewarding coastal lifestyle with top-notch amenities. Designated a Certified Sustainable Community by Audubon International, its 2,200 acres include 4 miles of pristine beach, vast swaths of serene marsh with winding rivers, and a maritime forest full of birds and other native wildlife.
Purchasing property on Seabrook, whether it is a homesite, villa, cottage, townhome, or single-family home includes joining Seabrook Island Club. Club membership levels are full, social, or community.
Seabrook’s 2 championship golf courses – Crooked Oaks (by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.) and Ocean Winds (by Willard Byrd, renovated by Rees Jones, Inc) – are both ranked among “Best You Can Play” in South Carolina every year. The Island House clubhouse has ocean and golf views from its restaurants, and an inviting golf veranda with fire pits and a “Pour My Beer/Wine” wall.
The Racquet Sports Center is undergoing a $4 million upgrade, and already has 15 Har-Tru tennis courts, 2 (soon to be 6) pickleball courts, and pro shop. Its courts are recognized as some of the best in the Southeast, and thus chosen to host the Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament year after year.
Seabrook Island’s oceanfront Beach Club is spectacular! Two pools, an outdoor restaurant mixing ocean breezes with fresh seafood, a bar and grill, and a cafe with to-go items ranging from healthy salads to the best soft serve ice cream you’ve ever tasted – all with an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and direct access to the beach steps away.
Not many places on the coast have horses, but Seabrook does. The full-service, 22-acre Equestrian Center features trail and beach rides, and boarding. Seabrook Island POA’s Lake House is the wellness and fitness center with spacious rooms for using state-of-the-art machines and free weights, a robust schedule of classes, and an outdoor (recreational) pool and indoor (lap swim / aerobics / therapy / lessons) pool.
Bohicket Marina and Freshfields Village are within one mile of the security gate for more dining, shopping (including a grocery store), events, and entertainment without having to travel far.
Visit seabrookisland.com to learn more about everything that makes Seabrook so special.
Hit the Trail
Embark on an adventure where your love for horses is shared and celebrated. Contact us to learn more about our featured equestrian communities and find the perfect place to call home. Whether you're an avid rider or simply an enthusiast, the ideal equestrian lifestyle awaits.