For those who love horses, the greater Sarasota, Florida
area offers a unique mix of equestrian communities with riding trails, clubs
and services and neighborhoods that allow horses, barns, and outbuildings on
the property. The area’s horse farms, and equestrian training centers provide
riding lessons, horse boarding, breeding and show services for local horse
owners. However, what may be most impressive is that all of this resides within
20-60 minutes of downtown Sarasota’s cultural venues and the award-winning Gulf
beaches of Southwest Florida.
Some of Sarasota’s horse neighborhoods date back to the
1930s and have lot sizes from one to five acres, while newer developments from
the last thirty years tend to offer lots of five acres and up. These newer
equestrian communities are located east of I-75 in the more rural parts of
Sarasota and Manatee counties. And yet, you don’t have to own a horse or even
ride one to own a home in an equestrian community.
Southwest Florida equestrian communities provide property
offerings that range from single-family-homes to grand luxury estates. Glen
Bigness is pleased to present a list of equestrian communities and
horse-friendly neighborhoods in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. If
you have horses and are considering moving to the greater Sarasota area, please
contact Glen Bigness and get an equestrian real estate professional to assist
you in finding the right property for your family and horses.
Greater Sarasota’s Equestrian Communities
These communities are made for those that enjoy a country
lifestyle and horses. They also have horse-friendly elements like riding trails
and some offer services within the community.
Bern Creek – The Ranches at Bern Creek
For those that want a Sarasota address but a country
lifestyle, then the Ranches at Bern Creek may provide the equestrian property
you seek. Homes in Bern Creek range from single family homes to luxury estates,
many properties have horse stables, barns, lakes, and fenced pastures. Bern
Creek offers an abundance of natural beauty, horseback riding trails and quiet
evenings. View Ranches at Bern Creek homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 – 10 acres, Number of Homes: 92, Homes: Various
styles built from 1980s to 2010s.
Foxfire & Foxfire West
Foxfire and Foxfire West developments are just east of I-75
in East Sarasota, and both offer homes for sale with large lots and mature
growth. The Foxfire West community is favored by horse owners because of its
bridle trails and community horse facilities. View Foxfire and Foxfire West
homes for sale.
Lot Size: 2 – 5 Acres, Number of Homes: Almost 60 homes,
Homes built from 1980s to present.
Gator Creek Estates
For those that love golf and horses, Gator Creek Estates may
be the perfect equestrian community for you. This deed-restricted gated
community is noted for its highly rated USGA championship golf course, natural
beauty, and community bridle trails. Most of the homes in Gator Creek are
custom built, blend with nature, and many have barns for their horses.
Membership to the Gator Creek Country Club is not required for community
residents. View Gator Creek Estates homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 – 10 Acres, Less than 70 home sites, Luxury
homes built from 1980s to 2010s.
Myakka River Trails – Venice, FL
In east Venice, Florida sits the only equestrian community
on the Myakka River, Myakka River Trails. This gated community offers large lot
sizes up to 15 acres and amenities that include private horse trails, community
pool, tennis courts, and a boat ramp. Many homes border the beautiful
riverfront and have docks, while others are among nature preserves and mature
growth. View Myakka River Trials homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 – 15 acres, Homes: Around 60, Luxury homes from
the 1990s – 2010s
Myakka Valley Ranches
One of Sarasota’s largest equestrian communities, Myakka
Valley Ranches lies east of I-75 and borders the Myakka River State Park.
Myakka Valley Ranches offers 17 miles of equestrian trails plus several miles
of walking paths. This community provides social activities, but if you want to
visit the Sarasota theater and Gulf beaches, they are just 25 – 45 minutes
away. View Myakka Valley Ranches homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 acres and up, Homes: Around 300, Homes built
from 1970s to 2010s.
Panther Ridge
Few developments planned to preserve the agricultural
heritage as much as the communities of Panther Ridge. Just east of Lakewood
Ranch, Panther Ridge was built to embrace the equestrian and country lifestyle.
Panther Ridge offers 15 miles of bridle trails, and many residents have horse
stables and barns on their property. While Panther Ridge does remain in the
country, city-like amenities are now closer thanks to the growth of Lakewood
Ranch and the UTC mall. View Panther Ridge homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 – 20 acres, Number of Homes: Around 800, Homes:
Built from 1990s to 2010s.
Saddle Creek
Large equestrian estate homes, wooded areas with old oaks
and more than 25 miles of saddle trails make Saddle Creek one of the leading
equestrian communities in greater Sarasota. Horses and livestock, barns and
outbuildings are common on Saddle Creek properties. The HOA allows for two
detached buildings per property. View
Saddle Creek homes for sale.
Lot Size: Min. 5 acres, Number of Homes: 170, Homes: Various
styles built from 1980s – 2000s
Saddle Oak Estates
Located just north of Saddle Creek, Saddle Oak Estates
offers large lots with grazing space, barns, stables, riding trails, and ponds.
Homes in this community were mostly built in the 2000’s and styles range from
Mediterranean, English Manor and custom built homes. View Saddle Oak Estates
homes for sale.
Lot Size: Min. 5 acres, Number of Homes: Almost 40, Homes:
Various styles, mostly built in the 2000s
Sarasota Polo Club
Some might say that Sarasota Polo Club is the crown jewel of
equestrian communities in Southwest and maybe all of Florida. With 9 World
Class Polo Fields, Member’s Clubhouse, on-site veterinary clinic, ¾ mile
exercise track and roughly 600 horses stabled during polo season, the Sarasota
Polo Club is an exquisite community that is highly coveted by horse owners.
Development of this Lakewood Ranch equestrian community began in the 1990s and
continues today. View Sarasota Polo Club homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 – 10 acres, Number of Homes: 47, Homes: Various
styles built from 1990s to present.
Desoto Acres
Desoto Acres has a rich history that goes back to the 1920s
and is one of the few Sarasota County developments east of I-75 that allows
horses and have a minimum of two acres. In the last one-hundred years Sarasota
has grown up, and Desoto Acres is now in the middle of everything, but still
maintains a rural and natural setting. Shopping, beaches, performing arts and
restaurants are all within 5 – 20 minutes of this community. View Desoto Acres
properties for sale.
Lot Size: 2 Acres, Homes: 350 home sites, Homes range from
1930s to new construction.
Englewood Farms
Located east of I-75 in Sarasota County, Englewood Farms is
a true gem that has large lot sizes, is 15 minutes from the Gulf beaches and
abuts against Myakka State Forest. Englewood Farms is the perfect location for
horse owners as there is plenty of space for stables and many homes have direct
access to riding trails. There are no deed restrictions in Englewood Farms and
homes in this community are often in demand; consider working with an MSC Agent
to stay informed about new home listings. View Englewood Farms homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 Acres and up. Homes vary in size and style and
have been built from 1970s to 2010s.
Fox Creek Acres & Pine Valley Ranches
Nestled north of Fruitville Road and south of Lakewood Ranch
are Fox Creek Acres and Pine Valley Ranches which are smaller neighborhoods
that are next to each other. These equestrian neighborhoods boast large lots
for horses and barns. These are a small equestrian neighborhood, where life is
a little calmer and slower paced than downtown Sarasota which is 20-25 minutes
away and Lakewood Ranch which is within 15 minutes. View Fox Creek Acres homes for
sale. View Pine Valley Ranches homes for sale.
Lot Size: 4 – 8 Acres, Homes: 30 for Pine Valley Ranches, 24
for Fox Creek Acres, and 41 homes in Fox Creek 2, Various styles built over the
last 40 years.
Myakka City, FL
Just about 20 minutes east of I-75 in Manatee County,
Florida is Myakka City. While the word “City” is in its name, this is one of
the more rural parts of Southwest Florida. You’ll find some equestrian
communities here, but you’ll also find horse farms, ranches, and working farms.
For those seeking large lots from five to over a thousand for their animals at
a reasonable price, this area might best match your needs. View Myakka City,
Florida homes for sale.
Lot Size: 1 – 1000+ acres, Homes: Varies from vintage
residences to new home construction.
Pomello Park
North of Panther Ridge in Manatee County is Pomello Park.
Many of the homes in this rural area have horses and/or livestock. Stables and
barns are found on some properties in this expansive community. This community
offers country living with no deed restrictions. View Pomello Park homes for
sale.
Lot Size: Mostly 5 – 10 acres, Number of Homes: 650, Various
styles built from 1970s to present.
Are you looking for a horse property in Sarasota County
Florida? We can help locate a home for you and your horses across the state.
Since 1986 finding horses homes…
Glen Bigness, Equestrian Agent 239-272-4663 or email me
horseflorida@gmail.com with your needs in an equestrian property so I can build
you a CUSTOM property search and report from the area MLS systems! Premiere
Plus Realty serving 15 counties across Florida. Rural homes with land, horse
properties and bulk Florida land sales 100-1000 acres!
