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 Marina Solo and she 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
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.
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.
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.
Lot Size: 5 – 10 Acres
Number of Homes: Less than 70 home sites
Homes: Luxury homes built from 1980s to 2010s.
Myakka River Trails
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.
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.
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.
Lot Size: 5 – 20 acres
Number of Homes: Around 800
Homes: Various styles built from 1990s to 2010s.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lot Size: 5 – 10 acres
Number of Homes: 47
Homes: Various styles built from 1990s to present.
