Buying Horse Property in Southern Utah: What You Need to Know

Southern Utah is a dream destination for many equestrians, offering stunning landscapes, wide-open spaces, and a horse-friendly culture. If you're considering buying horse property in this region, there are several important factors to keep in mind. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to make an informed decision.

1. Understand Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Before purchasing horse property, it’s crucial to research the zoning laws and land use regulations in the area. Some properties may be zoned for agricultural use, which often allows for horses, while others may have restrictions. Check with local planning offices to confirm whether the property is horse-friendly and what activities are permitted.

2. Evaluate the Property Size and Layout

Horses require ample space to roam, graze, and exercise. A general rule of thumb is at least 1-2 acres per horse, though this may vary depending on how the land is managed. When evaluating a property, consider:

• Pasture size and quality

• Accessibility to water

• Space for barns, stables, and storage

• Room for riding arenas or trails

3. Check for Water Rights and Access

Water is a critical resource for any horse property. In Southern Utah, where the climate is arid, it’s especially important to ensure the property has reliable water access. This might include:

• Rights to a well or shared water source

• Irrigation systems for pastures

• Access to municipal water if available Make sure to verify the water rights and understand any associated costs or restrictions.

4. Inspect Existing Facilities

Many horse properties come with barns, stables, and fencing already in place. However, it’s essential to assess the condition of these facilities:

• Are the barns and shelters structurally sound?

• Is the fencing secure and horse-safe?

• Are there proper drainage systems to prevent water pooling? If the property lacks these features or requires upgrades, factor the cost of improvements into your budget.

5. Consider Accessibility

Ease of access is another important factor when buying horse property. Look for properties with:

• Wide driveways for trailers and trucks

• Proximity to veterinary services and feed suppliers

• Nearby riding trails or open spaces Convenient access can make a big difference in your day-to-day horse care and activities.

6. Assess the Soil and Vegetation

Healthy pastures are vital for horses to graze. Check the soil quality and type of vegetation on the property. Some areas in Southern Utah may require additional irrigation or soil improvement to sustain grazing. Consult with local agricultural experts if needed.

7. Understand Maintenance Requirements

Owning horse property comes with ongoing maintenance responsibilities. From keeping fences in good repair to managing manure and maintaining pastures, it’s important to understand the work involved. If you’re new to owning horse property, consider connecting with local equestrian groups for advice and support within the community.

8. Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent

Buying horse property is a specialized real estate transaction that requires expertise. A knowledgeable agent familiar with Southern Utah’s equestrian market can help you navigate the process, from identifying suitable properties to negotiating the best deal. They can also connect you with professionals for inspections and land assessments.

9. Consider Future Plans

Consider your long-term objectives while investing in horse property. Do you intend to establish an equestrian business, hold events, or grow your herd? You'll save time and money later if you make sure the property fits your goal.

10. Budget for Additional Costs

In addition to the purchase price, there are other costs to consider when buying horse property, such as:

• Property taxes

• Insurance (including equine liability coverage)

• Maintenance and repair expenses

• Equipment purchases (e.g., tractors, mowers)

Southern Utah offers a unique and beautiful setting for horse enthusiasts, but purchasing the right property requires careful consideration. By understanding these factors, you can find the perfect property to meet your needs.

If you’re ready to explore horse properties in Southern Utah, contact me today. I specialize in equestrian and luxury real estate and would love to help you find your dream property.

Top 7 Essential Horse Care Tips Every Owner Should Know

Owning a horse is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their health and happiness. At Lava Bluffs Equestrian Center, we’re passionate about helping horse owners provide the best care possible. Here are seven essential tips to keep your horse healthy, happy, and thriving.

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1. Provide Proper Nutrition

A horse’s diet should consist of:

• High-Quality Hay: Make sure the hay is clean and free from mold or dust.

• Fresh Water: Horses need constant access to clean water to stay hydrated.

• Supplements: Add vitamins or minerals if recommended by your vet, especially for older or active horses.

At Lava Bluffs, we ensure all our horses are fed on a consistent schedule with high-quality feed.

2. Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine

Exercise is essential for your horse’s physical and mental health.

• Provide daily turnout time in a spacious pasture.

• Incorporate a mix of groundwork, trail rides, and arena training.

• Adjust the intensity of exercise based on your horse’s age and fitness level.

Our scenic trails and state-of-the-art arena offer the perfect setting for keeping your horse active.

3. Schedule Regular Vet Checkups

Preventative care is key to avoiding serious health issues.

• Schedule at least one annual checkup with an equine vet.

• Ensure your horse receives vaccinations and deworming on schedule.

• Watch for early signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior.

4. Prioritize Hoof Care

Healthy hooves are the foundation of a healthy horse.

• Pick out your horse’s hooves daily to remove debris and prevent infections like thrush.

• Trim hooves every 6-8 weeks with a farrier.

• Monitor for cracks, bruises, or excessive wear.

5. Keep Their Coat and Skin Healthy

Grooming is more than just keeping your horse clean—it promotes bonding and helps detect early signs of issues.

• Brush your horse daily to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair.

• Bathe them occasionally using horse-friendly shampoo.

• Check for signs of skin conditions like rain rot or dermatitis.

6. Provide a Safe Living Environment

Your horse’s living space should be clean, secure, and comfortable.

• Clean stalls and pastures regularly to minimize odors and bacteria.

• Provide proper ventilation in stables to avoid respiratory issues.

• Offer shade and shelter in outdoor areas to protect them from extreme weather.

7. Build a Strong Bond with Your Horse

Your horse relies on you for companionship and trust.

• Spend time with your horse outside of riding sessions, such as grooming or hand walking.

• Use positive reinforcement during training to build mutual respect.

• Always approach and handle your horse calmly to make them feel secure.

Barrel Racing in Southern Utah

Barrel Racing is an equine sport that has thousands of horse lovers always looking for the next adrenaline rush. It looks simple enough? You take your horse around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern and then exit the arena faster than you actually entered it? So why is it that this sport is such an addiction?

To be honest- everyone has a different answer. For me, it is the passion, the preparation, the butterflies in your stomach, the spending countless hours on your horses that makes it worth all the trips and the traveling to get to the next race.

My favorite part is the actual training of the horses. I am always looking for ways to cut thousandths of seconds off a run on every horse that I ride. I love my horses to be broke, I want them to listen to me at slow speeds along with know what I want at fast paces.

In Southern Utah we are lucky to have some of the best equine athletes, best facilities, and always somewhere close to catch the next run.

Check out Washington County Legacy Park to see the schedule of their events which include Horse races, Team ropings, Barrel races, The Washington County Fair and all sorts of fun filled activities for the whole family.

https://www.washco.utah.gov/forms/legacy-park/calendar/

9 million horses kept for recreation in United States

December 15, 2014

Lava Bluffs

Horse Boarding

The American Council for Horses reported that there are around 9 million horses being kept for recreation or sport within the United States of America

Most of these horses are housed in different boarding facilities around the country. The demand for such services is expected to remain strong for a foreseeable future.

A boarding facility for horses must have proper equipment and facilities. Boarding operations should be able to offer at least a barn with a few stalls, a field safely fenced and a few paddocks, a tractor, moving equipment, a riding trail or arena, tack rooms, beddings and areas to store feed.

Compliance with the local and state regulations like maintaining the operation and business license in accordance with the regulations of zoning, which applies within a specific piece of property, is vital. The owners of a boarding stable must also protect against all possible liabilities by insuring the property.

Usually, boarding stables offer a combination of partial board, pasture board or full pasture services with their clients. 

Partial board normally includes the stall, thus the horse owner has the responsibility in caring for them daily like turnout and stall cleaning. 

Full board certainly includes turnout, stall, and all kind of daily care like stall cleaning and feedings. 

Pasture board  does not comprise the stall, however the horse is being kept in a field that often has a sort of access shelter—including the run-in shed.

The kind of board that is being offered will highly impact the staffing needs like full service boarding facilities. This requires additional staff such as barn managers and grooms. Operations for pasture board may get by with fewer staff members.

There are some boarding facilities that specialize in catering a particular discipline like western riding or English riding while others offer different services. Some of these facilities also offer choices in special care for horses, say stallion training or mare breeding.

It is very important for an owner of the boarding facility to develop a relationship with the local equine veterinarian and farrier. These kinds of relationships are oftentimes mutually beneficial, as the vet or farrier may refer more clients to the business. It will also be critical in finding reliable and good suppliers for quality grain, hay and bedding.

It’s wise to develop an agreement with a riding instructor so riding lessons can be offered at the facility. Doing so may increase the overall publicity of the facility as the trainers tap into established clientele within the area. That is one of the main reasons why there are many boarders at a horse boarding facility because owners wish to have access to local instructors and riding arenas.

It is best for a person to choose the boarding house that offers the most quality facilities. This is an important part of the responsibility of animal ownership. Just like humans, horses also need proper care. That can be achieved by giving them ample facilities and services.

Best Horse Riding Arenas in Utah.

Best Horse Riding Arenas In Utah

December 12, 2014

Lava Bluffs

Riding Southern Utah

You will be able to find many different places and speciality arenas that are offer amazing horse riding experiences in Utah

There are so many places in the world that pride themselves on their culture, customs and traditions as well as their local activities that make for extreme fun. Utah is one of these places.

If you live in or are planning to visit Utah and want to do some horse riding, you will be able to find some of the best horse arenas in the entire world. Equestrian arenas in Utah are top-notch. You will find there are many different arenas that offer their own special approach for those who want to engage in horse riding activities. 

The following is a list of areas you can visit once you are in Utah. Horse riding is available in: 

American Fork

Lehi

Payson

Provo

Orem

Salem

Saratoga Springs

Cedar City

St. George

All of these riding arenas in Utah are great, but there are still a lot more in the state. If you have time, you can try asking around or better yet conduct a search online. If you are wondering why they are considered the best horse riding arenas in Utah, part of the reason is that their facilities and equipment are among the most modern. These things are enough to guarantee an exhilarating experience when horseback riding or watching equestrians experts do their thing. 

All guests are allowed to enjoy their own unique horseback riding experience in each arena. You will be able to have a good time while riding a horse and experiencing nature as you discover the beauty of Utah. The places mentioned above are considered as the best horse riding areas in the state as they give a friendly and amazing offer to their horse riding fans. Everything is designed to be really exciting. 

Many arenas in Utah offer their own unique services for fun horseback riding experiences. On top of that, these qualified arenas guarantee the safety of those who visit like tourists and even locals. They have well-trained tourist guides and horse trainers to ensure organized activities. This way, everything happens and is done in the most appropriate way with functional equipment. 

Utah is a place where you can find the best horse riding arenas. It is up to you if you want to experience horse riding in all of those arenas or just choose a few from the list. It is always good if you will spend your free time horse riding but always make sure that you have chosen the right horse riding arena. Always remember to find arenas where you spend your time with quality horses. Pick the best horse riding arenas in Utah to enjoy your leisure time.