6 Useful Tips for Landscaping an Equestrian Property

If you’re a proud owner of an equestrian estate, you know that taking care of it equals hard work and tremendous effort. Ideally, you should be able to combine functionality and aesthetics, as well as provide your horses with a safe space. Landscaping is key to achieving just that and creating the horse property of your dreams.

Whether you’re renovating your estate or planning to build it from scratch, you’re in for quite a challenge. Fortunately, there are some things you should consider as you’re coming up with design and layout ideas. In this article, you’ll find six great tips on landscaping an equestrian property. Read on to learn more about how you can make your equine dream come true.

Hire a Professional Team

Landscaping an equestrian estate is no easy feat. If you’re about to take on this challenge, it means you must have experience and professional knowledge about horses and their care. However, a project on such a scale is extremely difficult to carry out completely on your own. Think about this: there are real estate agencies that help you find the best property for your needs and companies that can buy houses for quick cash. Many professionals are ready to help you manage all important matters regarding your estate; why not go a step further and hire a team of specialists?

Regardless of your project’s size, you can easily find architects, engineers, and landscape experts who can assist you through all the phases of design. Find reputable contractors, and they’ll follow your guidelines and make your dream vision come true. Hiring a team of professionals with skills and expertise will help you realize your projects down to every detail and give you peace of mind.

Plan According to Your Discipline

Before you proceed with any changes, you need to make sure that your choices are suitable for your discipline and meet the needs of your horses. Depending on your area of interest, you’ll need to opt for different landscaping choices. Are you a dressage rider, a jumper, or are you into horse racing? The answer to these questions will directly impact how you organize your space and design your equestrian property.

Even if you’re into breeding, you need to provide your horses with functional space and invest in proper equipment. As such, you should remember to base your plans on the discipline of your choice and, if needed, adjust them appropriately.

Invest in Horse-Safe Fencing

A fence is one of the most noticeable elements on your property. An old, dilapidated fence makes for a terrible first impression. It also fails to ensure safety for you and your horses. Besides, what’s the point of landscaping if you fail to provide a “frame” for your space?

Fencing can make or break the look of your equestrian estate. Rail fences are a classic choice, but you should also think about functionality. Many horse farm owners swear by the double-fence system. This means surrounding your property with an aesthetically pleasing fence. Then, you can create individual paddocks and grazing areas within the perimeter of your property. It’s an effective, practical solution with visual appeal.

Build a Windbreak

A windbreak is a dense, natural barrier that protects the buildings on your property from the elements and adverse weather conditions. It’s a great, eco-friendly solution that increases the safety of your equestrian estate.

If you decide to build a windbreak, the best time to plant new trees is during fall. A good rule of thumb is to plant fast-growing trees that are native to your region. As for the location, it’s best to build a windbreak along the north side of your house and outbuildings; that’s where the most dangerous winds blow from. Additionally, consider planting new trees near the fence line of your pastures, especially if your horses are prone to founder. This way, trees start throwing shade on pasture grass, reducing its sugar content, and decreasing the risk of laminitis.

Avoid Poisonous Plants and Trees

If you’re landscaping your equestrian estate, you’re more than likely to come across trees and plants you’d like to have on your land. However, before you start planting, you need to make sure which ones are good for your horses and which ones are harmful. There are many plant species that you may want to have on your property, mainly for aesthetic reasons. Nevertheless, negligence can lead to tragedy.

Sadly, the list of trees and plants that are toxic to horses is long. Experts advise against planting cherry, peach, black walnut, yew, oleander, or locoweed near the pastures. Instead of exotic trees and plants, opt for the ones that are native to your area. Additionally, consider using mulch in your green areas, be it flowerbeds or vegetable gardens. Mulch is a popular material used in gardening.

Use Environmentally-Friendly Landscaping Techniques

Using environmentally-friendly techniques shouldn’t be a trend but rather a norm. With so many non-toxic alternatives available on the market, you’ll be able to realize every design project you have in mind.

Also, remember that the quality of soil should be your priority as well. You don’t have to use synthetic pesticides and petrochemical fertilizers to nurture your landscape. Your horses provide you with natural fertilizer – all you have to do is to pick it up and compost it. It will be more than enough to effectively improve the soil without sterilizing and exhausting it.

The Bottom Line

Landscaping an equestrian estate requires planning and effort, both in the case of remodeling an existing property and when you’re planning to build it from the ground up. Your goal should be to develop a safe, functional, and esthetically pleasing design. Even though it’s not easy, you can successfully carry out your landscaping plans in an environmentally-friendly way and create the horse property of your dreams.

As you can see, it’s not a task for one person, and many factors influence the end result. However, the tips we mentioned above should help you focus on these aspects and get a clear overview of your needs and priorities.