Many agents handle horse property. But what makes an agent a horse property specialist?
First, the agent should understand one very basic thing. "Acres" does not equal "suitable for horses". Yes, acres are important, but what matters most is the kind of acres that they are. Straight up and down acres you'd think would be obviously unsuitable for horses, but before I was an agent, looking for most own property, I had agents tell me their listing was perfect for my horses when what it was truly perfect for was my veterinarian's pocket book.
A horse property specialist should know about horses. Something else that seems obvious, but I've had many agents claim to be horse property specialists who would find themselves at a loss if presented with a naked horse and a pile of tack, never mind having some experience with the proper use of a muck bucket and a shovel.
A horse property specialist should understand the kinds of soil that exist in their area (here in Central Texas it can vary a lot), where the different kinds are generally located, how to recognize each kind, and the virtues and vices of each as relates to horses, both for grazing and for riding.
A horse property specialist needs to be familiar with the kinds of forage that exist in their area. In addition, a list of hay suppliers or of hay balers (if the horse owner plans to grow their own) is a good resource to have.
A horse property specialist might want to have some familiarity with the plants in their area that are toxic to horses. This is another good list to have available as a resource to relocation clients who are bringing their equine family with them.
A horse property specialist should have a nodding acquaintance with where the feed stores are in the area (invaluable sources of information that they are!) and who the vets and farriers are. A list of same is a good thing to have when going on a horse property search - your buyer might just want to pop in and check out the amenities of the feed store while checking out a nearby property.
A horse property specialist should understand that, for many people, the barn is more important than the house. Or, if not more important (and that is frequently the case), AS important. The garden may be beautiful, but if the barn is inadequate, or there is no barn at all and no quick and easy way to put one up affordably, the property won't work for someone with several horses - might as well not even show it to them.
A horse property specialist will know, or will know where to find, information on the various horse breed and discipline clubs in the area, where the relocating buyer can find like-minded people to pursue their equine interests.
In other words, a horse property specialist will have lived with horses in some fashion (either on their own property or, at least, in a boarding situation), will understand their needs, and will consider those needs to be just as important in this kind of transaction as the needs of the children of the family are in another kind. When you're looking for the perfect horse property, you want an agent who knows and understands horses, not just real estate - you want an agent who understands both. That is a true horse property specialist.
