How to Care for Horses & Your Horse Farm in Kentucky
How to Care for Horses in Kentucky
By Kathleen Walls
Operating and owning a horse farm in Kentucky is a dream come true for many horse enthusiasts. With the Blue Grass State’s rolling pastures and rich equestrian culture, Kentucky offers an ideal setting for standard or hobby farmers looking to venture into equine care. Whether your goal is boarding horses, raising them for riding or undertaking a breeding system, managing a small horse farm requires, passion, planning and practicality. When it comes to purchasing your new horse farm, working with a real estate professional with horse property expertise is critical.
Horse Care
Before you bring your first horse onto the property, ensure your farm’s infrastructure is safe, functional and fits your specific needs. Start by having your land evaluated by a professional. Horses thrive with ample space to graze and move with general guidelines calling for about 1-2 acres per horse.
Proper fencing is key to keeping your livestock safe and secure. Kentucky horse farms often use four-board wooden fences due to their sturdiness or use woven wire with a board on top to keep predators out. Avoid barbed wire as it can cause serious injuries to livestock. Additionally, while horses thrive in the outdoors, they need proper shelter and infrastructure to protect them from harsh winter weather. A well-maintained barn or run-in shed are recommended for they comfort and safety they offer.
Pasture Management
Investing in quality pasture management is another critical aspect for a productive horse farm. Kentucky’s rich soil is ideal for growing nutritious grasses like bluegrass and clover, but maintaining healthy pastures requires regular mowing, reseeding and soil testing. Clear your pastures of toxic plants such as buttercup and hemlock to ensure your horses remain healthy. Wild cherry trees can also become problems if they are not properly managed.
Provide a reliable water source for your horses, such as automatic waterers or clean troughs, if your land doesn’t contain enough fresh water access. Additional water sources are also important due to Kentucky’s harsh winters, calling for heated waterers during the cold months. Locate a reliable hay source for your horses’ winter feed supplement and store it in a dry and well-maintained place to ensure your livestock are well fed and fed well.
Equine Care
Managing a horse farm also means mastering the art of equine care. From daily feeding routines to grooming and hoof care, each aspect of care contributes to the health and happiness of your horses. Regular veterinary visits for vaccinations and deworming are another essential for their well-being. Our experts highly encourage that you build a strong relationship with a trusted farrier for hoof maintenance and overall horse health.
Own A Horse Farm
Owning a horse farm in Kentucky offers numerous benefits for the average buyer, combining the practical advantages of the state’s equestrian heritage with the peace and privacy of a country lifestyle. Kentucky’s pastures, fertile soil, temperate climate and legacy provide ideal conditions for raising and caring for horses, making it a world-class location for equestrian enthusiasts. The state’s long-standing reputation as the “Horse Capital of the World” ensures you’ll have access to the best resources, including leading veterinarians, farriers, trainers and feed suppliers, as well as proximity to exciting equestrian events, breeding facilities and horse auctions. For those who simply love a recreational ride, the state’s stunning landscapes and abundant riding trails enhance the overall experience of horse ownership.
Financially, owning a horse farm in Kentucky is quite the sound investment as properties in prime equestrian hubs often hold or increase in value over time. For those seeking to produce income, horse farms grants opportunities for boarding, training or breeding businesses. Even more, Kentucky offers agricultural tax advantages, which can reduce property taxes for qualifying horse farms. Beyond the financial and practical benefits, owning horses and land provide a sense of personal satisfaction by working closely with the majestic mammal, as well as allows you further opportunities for enjoying wide-open spaces and living in harmony with nature. For many buyers, the lifestyle benefits alone –peace, privacy and connection to the equestrian community– make owning a horse farm in Kentucky a dream come true.
The United Country Difference
United Country Real Estate is proud to be home to countless horse property experts and equestrian real estate pros. As the leader in land sales, we are committed to connecting you with specialty property experts to help you find the property of your dreams. Kathleen Walls, broker and owner of UCRE | Kentucky Lifestyle Properties is a leading UCRE horse farm, ranch and equine estate expert and an award-winning Realtor. She also has years of experience raising, training and showing horses and has developed her own equine facility. Contact us today to start your journey to owning your ideal Kentucky horse farm.
