From Grooming to Training: The Best Horse Farms to Stable Your Ponies in the US (2024)

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• Double H Farm

  

  Ridgefield, Conn., $28.5M

  Riding may be one of those pastoral New England passions, but this Connecticut estate goes beyond that, thanks to its pedigree of breeder owners. Double H Farm, in Ridgefield, is the former home of the late Hunter Harrison, a railroad tycoon and a horse owner and breeder. His daughter, Cayce Harrison, is also a breeder, trainer and longtime rider. Sotheby’s International Realty is marketing the 87-acre property.

  Equine facilities include a 3.5-acre grand-prix field with viewing stand; air-conditioned barns for 43 horses, with heated floors, rubber tiles and padded stalls; offices and staff apartments; 17 paddocks; indoor and outdoor rings; and, naturally, a trophy lounge.

  The 14,000-square-foot main house, built in 2009, has 100-mile views, says Blake, plus geothermal heating, an indoor golf room and a seven-car garage. There’s also a renovated 18th-century farmhouse and a guesthouse with a pool and tennis court.

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• Spanish Style Estancia

  

  Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., $98.5M

  Long before John Wayne rode off into the sunset in the hills surrounding LA, California’s oldest riding traditions were influenced by Spanish and Mexican cultures, which are celebrated at this beautiful estancia. It is a rare combination of pro-level equestrian facilities and an attractive home with character. Such a prize does not come cheap, but the rewards are extensive: 77 acres set within a private community, described by Patricia Kramer and Cathy Gilchrist-Colmar of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty as “very country, very understated, full of riding trails, with private security but no gates.”

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  The Basics of Horse Stall Design

  Built in 2008, the 15,000- square-foot main house is a luxurious slice of old Spain, with custom tiles, massive ceiling beams and ornately carved wooden doors. Multiple indoor and outdoor sitting areas lead to the pool, tennis court and 15-acre, bass-filled lake. A wine cellar, library and game room are downstairs.

  The equestrian facilities include a 27-stall state-of-the- art barn, a smaller family barn, three sand arenas, a grand-prix field and staff residences.

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• East End Polo Grounds

  

  Bridgehampton, N.Y., $16M

  Any 65-acre property for sale in the Hamptons is rare air, but one that comes with extensive riding facilities and a historic farmhouse is an especially scarce opportunity. Two Trees Farm in Bridgehampton is a renowned polo-competition venue, having hosted the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge for 20 years, until 2015. Located near the site for the Hampton Classic Horse Show, the original Two Trees estate has been subdivided for sale, and this parcel, listed for $15,995,000, contains three horse barns with tack rooms and lounges, two indoor riding arenas, extensive staff quarters, paddocks and polo fields.

  The living space includes the newly renovated, 3,800- square-foot 17th-century farmhouse, reportedly the oldest house in town, as well as eight staff apartments and a guesthouse with four bedrooms. Christopher Burnside of Brown Harris Stevens holds the listing.

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• Dedicated Polo Pony Farm

  

  Wellington, Fla., $40M

  The real stars of any polo chukker are the mounts, of course, so why not treat them to their own expansive grounds? Homeowners in Palm Beach or Wellington who seek luxurious accommodations for their four- legged friends could consider this immaculate, custom-built 55-acre polo farm in the Wellington Preserve. The barn’s four sections—each with a tack lounge, feed room, utility room and 16 horse stalls—are arranged around a central courtyard with a chic clubhouse, while next door are two regulation-size polo fields and a sand ring. Oh, and when the humans need to be exercised, there’s a basketball court, a gym and hot and cold recovery tubs. The completion of a new eight-bedroom house is included in the $40 million asking price.

  “It’s perfectly manicured and all set up for polo, but does offer the ability to be used for other disciplines,” says Michelle Hall of Equestrain Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s right in the middle of the gated equestrian community, surrounded by dressage farms, jumping farms and other polo farms.”

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