Purchasing Horse Property in North Carolina
by Buffy Blood

Whether you are purchasing horse property for quality show horses or back yard equine pets, you’ll need to keep basic horse keeping and farm management in mind. You’ll want enough land to support the number of horses you have, and plan for the future. This will include room for a shed and/or barn, cross-fenced pasture for rotation grazing, a riding area, and room to build your dream home. Don’t skimp on the amount or quality of the land. Poor planning can be a costly mistake. Consider whether you may increase the number of horses, take in boarders or decide to breed your mare.

Good drainage is a concern. A high enough elevation is important near creeks and shorelines to keep hooves from staying wet, grow good grass, and keep your property from looking like a mud hole. Property that is too wet may make the feed/hay delivery difficult and the farrier or vet could have trouble getting to your horse. In marshy areas mosquitoes will be heavier, and you’ll have more parasite problems. Property that won’t "perk" for septic fields, may be a hidden asset for horse use.  Finding water will probably not be difficult, and even though it can't be built on, it may be ideal for pasture as the moisture content can help keep good grass in the summer months. Consider a sand lot for turnout in wet weather or when you are waiting for grass to grow in the Spring.

Don’t buy your horse property just because you like the house and the previous owner had a horse there. Too many horses are turned out in ½ acre paddocks or fenced woods that is not adequate for grazing. The more nutritious the grass the less you will pay in feed and hay bills. The soil is sandy in Pamlico County and most of the HiddenCoast, which is great for hooves, but its hard to grow grass, a good reason to have enough land for cross fencing and rotation grazing. The local agricultural extension agent can be of help in determining what type of grass grows best and how often to water and mow.

Horses need room to be horses and do what  is natural for them. Healthy animals are a   reflection of the property they graze. Proper pasture and care results in a   healthy and happy horse that is better prepared to perform for you.