The Ultimate Guide to Buying Horse Properties in Scottsdale

Choosing to purchase horse property in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a grand plan. However, before investing, it is wise to do your homework and be as well-informed as possible.

Purchasing horse property is unlike buying any other type of property. This guide will prepare you by offering pertinent information about life as a horse property owner in the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

              

Why Scottsdale is a Great Place to Own Horses

Although Scottsdale is a large part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, there are still sections that feel like you have traveled back to the 1800s, with spots you can saddle up and ride off into the sunset; this is a unique characteristic that you won't find in most urban areas. 

From the time Chaplain Winfield Scott and his wife filed their homestead papers in 1888 through his death in 1910, he gave new settlers a tour of his namesake city in his horse and buggy.

Although we have come a long way since the days horses were the primary transportation system, Scottsdale keeps its history alive by being one of the few metropolitan cities to celebrate and appreciate the equestrian lifestyle. 

Places to Visit on Horseback Near Scottsdale

Are you searching for a refuge from city life? 

The city of Scottsdale and surrounding areas have numerous areas where equestrians and their horses can trot and gallop through mountains, streams, and deserts. 

Scottsdale is a unique place with so much open land just minutes from the city's traffic jams and loud noise. This beautiful area of Arizona offers numerous locations where horse lovers can escape the stresses of everyday life. 

Arizona Horse Lovers Park 

Arizona Horse Lovers Park has been a staple in the Arizona equestrian community for over 30 years. Horse enthusiasts of all ages come to the park to saddle up and ride on the multifunctional trails used for roping, cutting, and riding. Four equestrian areas are available for use year-round.

This rustic, family-friendly park is located off Tatum and the 101 near Desert Ridge Marketplace. 

Superstition Wilderness

Approximately 45 minutes southwest of North Scottsdale lies breathtaking scenery of majestic mountains and desert wildlife. Superstition Wilderness offers over 160,000 acres of a well-developed trail system. 

Located within one of eight wilderness areas within the Tonto National Forest, the Superstition Wilderness is inhabited by cholla, prickly pear, ocotillo, and saguaro cacti. 

Horseback is the premier way to access this vast wilderness. Get ready to ride through the iconic history of the Old West as you travel challenging trails that weave around Saguaro Lake and the Salt River. 

Goldfield Hills

Approximately 45 minutes southwest of North Scottsdale lies breathtaking scenery of majestic mountains and desert wildlife. Superstition Wilderness offers over 160,000 acres of a well-developed trail system. 

The Goldfield Hills are located an hour southwest of North Scottsdale.

These hills are just north of the tourist ghost town of Goldfield, Arizona. The rugged Goldfield Mountains loom over these hills.

Your ride will consist of washes, rolling hills, and trails with no names, trail numbers, or directions. However, getting lost is difficult as most of the trails crisscross through one another.

The town of Goldfield is easy to see as you ride through the hills, making your way back simple.

Visitors are welcome to horseback through the ancient town of Goldfield. There is even a hitching rail where riders can tie up horses while they check out a wild west shootout on Main Street.

MacDonald’s Ranch 

Just off Scottsdale Road and the 101 sits MacDonald’s Ranch, where visitors can take in stunning views of Camelback Mountain.

The guided tours are one- to two-hour, and 90-minute moonlit rides are available on specific dates. Other great amenities at MacDonald’s Ranch include a family fun play area, a petting zoo, pony rides, and year-round hayrides.

Koli Equestrian Center

Enjoy amazing views of the Sonoran Desert and tribal lands as you scamper on horseback through the Gila Indian Reservation. Guides provide 60-to-90-minute narrated tours educating guests about the rich culture and history these Arizona lands offer.

Koli Equestrian Center also offers private rides and a margarita sunset ride.

What to Look For When Buying Horse Property in Scottsdale

There are many things to consider when buying land to use as horse property.

Particular acreage is necessary, understanding zoning laws and ensuring that proper septic systems are put into place are all crucial factors to ensure a smooth transition for you and your horses. 

Acreage

Be sure to purchase enough acreage for your horses to thrive.

How many horses do you plan on keeping?

Will you be riding on your property?

Will you want to build a shelter, barn, or riding arena for your horses?

These questions are essential to ask before making a purchase.

Most experts agree that two acres are enough for one horse. However, with each additional horse, one additional acre is recommended. 

This acreage allows different management plans to be implemented without horse overgrazing.

Owners must also maintain a 70% vegetative cover of land. The non-grazing space is referred to as a dry lot or exercise lot. 

Zoning Laws

When buying equestrian property, understand the City of Scottsdale zoning laws. Also, examine the neighboring territories to get information on expanding acreage. 

There is a term called horse privileges. In a nutshell, a property that previously had the rights to the house and raised horses (usually because they were part of an old ranch that was then incorporated) but horse privileges remained can board horses on the property. However, this can be tricky. 

Working with a real estate professional who thoroughly understands zoning laws regarding horse properties is vital. 

Occasionally, when a property was previously zoned for horses, the zoning may not transfer to you or meet your specific needs. Complete all paperwork with your Realtor to be sure you can use the land for your intended reasons.  

Septic System and Drainage

Many horse properties have septic systems or wells in place.

There are benefits to having these systems already on your property. On the other hand, they can become a nightmare if you don’t have them inspected.

Before purchasing a property, request the seller pump out the septic tank and ensure the leach field is not underneath any pasture.

It is just as crucial to have proper drainage.

Inadequate drainage can easily have you winding up with muddy land, creating many problems for your horses. An easy way to check the drainage is to visit the property right after a rainstorm; you will be able to see where the water gathers. 

Shade and Shelter

In Scottsdale, it is vital to your horse’s health that appropriate shade and shelter are available. 

Central Arizona is infamous for its destructive monsoons and brutally hot summers. 

There must be a barn or run-in shed for your horse during intense storms, rain, and heat advisories. 

Do you want to be stuck outside, soaked, or miserable in 115-degree heat? Neither does your horse. 

The benefit of housing a horse in Arizona is unlike cold climates, the care for your horse is typically the same through the various seasons.

Benefits of Owning a Horse in Scottsdale

Physical Activity 

Since you can ride your horse year-round in Scottsdale, horseback riding is a great consistent workout. In addition to the physical exertion of riding your horse, cleaning stalls, feeding, and grooming are all activities that will keep you moving.  

Reduce Stress

Many studies have shown that interaction with animals is beneficial for reducing stress. The relationship with animals is believed to decrease blood pressure and hormones that are associated with stress. Hence, riding a horse has a twofold benefit regarding the health of your mind, which will help you in every aspect of your life.

Builds Self Confidence

Although horse riding is an individual sport, it is a relationship between a teacher and a student. 

You, as the owner, teach and work with your horse; this is called leadership training, and nothing boosts self-confidence more than seeing your accomplishments come to fruition. 

Horses offer us a unique opportunity to experience a natural and personal connection with an animal. 

These leadership and communication skills enhance our lives tremendously. 

It is not easy to train a thousand-pound animal to move the way it's told and follow your lead. At the same time, this training also enhances your horse's confidence. 

Once the horse senses you trust them by relaxing while they move, they will become more relaxed, and your relationship will become stronger.

Boosts Brain Power

Training horses nurtures and engages the creative side of your brain.

Coaching a horse is like being a classroom teacher; you must think outside the box. Not all students learn the same. Not all horses learn the same. This forces trainers to think creatively about cultivating the horse’s mind and solving any problems they may encounter. 

Helps Preserve Bone Mass and Improve Overall Health  

Most people do not realize how beneficial owning a horse can be to preserving bone mass.  

One of the key ways to preserve bone mass is through strength training and weight-bearing exercises.

Owning a horse requires a lot of weight-bearing activities: hauling barn equipment, carrying saddles, and moving all the other necessary gadgets all help support the loss of bone mass. 

Endless Benefits to Owning a Horse

Owning a horse has countless benefits. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t many cities where horse lovers can saddle up in their backyard or drive just a few miles to ride their horses. 

In Scottsdale, you won’t have a long-distance relationship with your horse. There are countless places to ride and a large equestrian community. 

When searching for horse properties in Scottsdale, it helps to have a professional real estate agent on your side to help you with every aspect of the buying process. We have horse property specialists here at The Kay-Grant Group that have helped many clients find their perfect horse property, and we are excited to help you too. 

For more information, give us a call at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form.