Central Oregon Horse Properties
Are you a horse enthusiast? If so, you’re in luck. Central Oregon features a wide variety of horse properties, both large and small — everything from 2 1/2-acre mini-ranches and five-acre hobby farms to sprawling equine boarding facilities and working hay or cattle ranches.
No doubt it’s Central Oregon’s incredibly scenic setting that draws many equine enthusiasts to the area. Not only is there an abundance of rural farm land here, but many rural properties have some pretty incredible “back yards” –- with direct access to public lands (both U.S. Forest Service and BLM trails) in abundance. Then there’s the bonus feature accompanying many rural properties that’s tough to duplicate elsewhere: breathtaking views of the Cascade, Ochoco and Paulina mountain ranges, which beckon daily to perhaps our most plentiful horse folks, the trail riders. What’s not to love about having so many spectacular high-country trails within your sightline? (It does, however, make it a bit more challenging for many of us to focus on work –- especially on particularly nice days.)
Consequently, because of the high concentration of horse owners in Central Oregon, we also have a thriving horse community. Actually, Central Oregon is home to a network of very active horse communities, covering a broad spectrum of equine disciplines. Of course, there are numerous trails-related organizations to be found here, along with many ranch-related competitive disciplines like cutting, sorting, team roping, team penning and rodeo. But you’ll also find some serious show-jumping, hunter-jumper, eventing, dressage and endurance riders here, too.
Keep in mind (especially if you aren’t familiar with Central Oregon) that before buying a horse property, you’ll want to be well-educated on various aspects of Central Oregon horse-property ownership that the average urban purchase doesn’t entail. If you’re looking for a property with more than an acre of grass, for example, you’ll need a property that includes irrigation rights (which will no doubt add to the price tag). Understand, first and foremost, that having large expanses of green here comes at a cost –- both literally and in terms of the labor involved. This is the High Desert, after all. With that thought in mind, you’ll want to understand the fundamentals of how our various irrigation systems work and factor in the time and expense of doing so.
That’s one reason that, for you especially, choosing the right real estate agent is crucial. Many agents focus primarily on in-town properties and are unfamiliar with many issues that are common to rural properties. For example, you’ll also want to verify whether the outbuildings are to code and that the zoning of the subject property coincides with your needs, that the property boundaries are accurate, the fencing will suffice, and the well set-up and septic system are in good working order. And, of course, for some of you, the search will begin (and maybe end) with the barn.
By the way, if you’re considering buying a Central Oregon horse property but have no intention of becoming a horse owner, that’s fine too. Many people are drawn to the area because of the opportunity to live in a rural setting with some room to breathe and an outstanding setting in which to do so. And who knows? Maybe you’re looking forward to the opportunity to produce your own farm-fresh eggs. Maybe you see a goat in your future or a handful of alpacas, llamas or cows.