Sarasota Polo Club
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. (What you can be sure of, however, is that your neighbors are likely to own horses or livestock and may be up at the crack of dawn.)
Southwest Florida equestrian communities provide property offerings that range from single-family-homes to grand luxury estates. Michael Saunders & Company 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 Michael Saunders & Company and a real estate professional will 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
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: 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
Number of Homes: Less than 70 home sites
Homes: 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
Number of Homes: Around 60
Homes: 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
Number of Homes: Around 300
Homes: Various styles. 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: Various styles built from 1990s to 2010s.
Prairie Creek Park
Prairie Creek Park
In rural eastern Punta Gorda is the ranch community of Prairie Creek Park. This has paved roads and 22 miles of maintained roadsides for horseback travel. While there are resales available, many new buyers often like to build their home, horse stables, and barns based on their needs and wants. Downtown Punta Gorda and I-75 are only ten to fifteen miles away. View Prairie Creek Park homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 acres and up
Number of Homes: 300
Homes: Various styles and built dates. New construction available.
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.
Greater Sarasota’s Equestrian Neighborhoods
These neighborhoods allow horse ownership, barns and outbuildings, but do not offer community trails and horse related services.
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
Number of Homes: 350 home sites
Homes: 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: 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
Number of Homes: 30 for Pine Valley Ranches, 24 for Fox Creek Acres, and 41 homes in Fox Creek 2
Homes: Various styles built over the last 40 years.
Hidden River
Hidden River is a gated aviation community, with its own runway, in east Sarasota County that is very popular with plane and horse owners. Hidden River began in the 1960s and developed slowly over the years. This community holds annual social events and even a plane Spot Landing event each year. The community borders the Myakka State Park and some properties border the Myakka River. View Hidden River homes for sale.
Lot Size: Min. 5 acres
Number of Homes: 108 homes sites
Homes: Various styles built from 1960s to present.
Mission Valley Estates
Minutes from Nokomis Beach, Venice and Oscar Scherer State Park is Mission Valley Estates, a horse friendly community that feels very rural even though it is west of I-75. This semi-private country club is family oriented and has smaller lots than many equestrian neighborhoods. Some vacant lots are available for new construction. View Mission Valley Estates homes for sale.
Lot Size: 1 – 2 acres
Number of Homes: 244
Homes: Various styles from ranch style to estate homes.
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.
North Port Estates
North Port Estates
North Port Estates encompasses acres of open land and borders Myakka River State Park to the north. This unique community has areas of smaller lot sizes towards the interstate and large 3 – 5 acre lots as you move closer to the park. Development of this community started in the 1990s, and new homes are still being built today. View North Port Estates home for sale.
Lot Size: .25 to 5 acres, larger lots allow for horses
Number of Homes: Over 200 – Large Lot Properties
Homes: Homes from 1990s to new construction.
Oak Ford
Located east of I-75 and north of Myakka State Park, Oak Ford is a unique mix of nature preserves, winding roads with old oaks, and home lots that range from one to five acres with the larger lots allowing for horses. There are three sections of Oak Ford, and each has a unique community feel. Homes in this community have a minimum of 2,200 sq. feet, tend to be set back from the road and many are fenced properties. View Oak Ford homes for sale.
Lot Size: 1 – 5 acres
Number of Homes: Just under 300
Homes: Various styles. Homes range from 1980s to new 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
Homes: Various styles built from 1970s to present.
Waterbury Tracts
A few miles northeast of Lakewood Ranch is Waterbury Tracts, a rural community with wide open spaces and large lots that allow for horses, livestock and even farming. Here you can purchase or build the ranch or equestrian farm you want and yet be within 20 – 30 minutes of fine restaurants and shopping. View Waterbury Tracts homes for sale.
Lot Size: 5 – 50 acres
Number of Homes: 300
Homes: Style and built dates vary. New construction available.
Southwest Florida has many equestrian community and horse neighborhoods that allows equine enthusiasts to share their passion with other horse lovers and enjoy quick access to stables, riding trails, and equestrian activities.
Some of the more notable equestrian centers include the Sarasota Polo Grounds in Lakewood Ranch which has nine polo fields and holds Polo matches from January through April and Fox Lea Farm which is a nationally recognized horse show facility in Venice, FL. They hold almost 40 weekends of shows a year including hunter/jumper, quarter horse, appaloosa and dressage.
If you are considering moving to greater Sarasota and are looking to bring your horses with you or just want to live in a country community, then contact Michael Saunders & Company today at 888-552-5228, and let us help you find the perfect property for your family and horses to call home.
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