Bumps in the Road Tough times in the real estate market didn’t keep develop- ers from sticking with their vision for successful equestrian communities, but it slowed things down for those who got underway at the height of the epic real estate slump in 2008. At the 934-acre Equestrian Lakes, Rob says they began
designing and building homes in the winter of 2005 and launched the development in 2007. “It was the worst timing possible but we stayed realistic about the economy and housing market,” he says. “It’s a unique product and, in the past couple of years, sales have been fantastic. We intro- duced another phase in 2011 and we are probably introduc- ing another this year.” At The Oaks, the barn opened in 2008 but it took a
few years to get the housing project off the ground. “We opened the barn in 2008 and it’s been in continuous opera- tion,” says Brad. “We’re just starting to remarket the home- owner parcels. The market has been slow and we have acreage still in agricultural operation, so we haven’t had to develop it.” Brad also offers advice for prospective buyers. “For people
interested in an equestrian community, I’d look for some- thing that’s established. Make sure the amenities are in and paid for and that the community is staged right and (financially) sustainable. We are debt-free and not going anywhere. The community can stand on its own without a
developer propping it up and to me that’s very important in today’s economy.”
Looking Ahead The future seems bright for communities built around horses. “You wouldn’t believe how many developers have called me because they want to do similar projects,” Rob Gartman says. “I’ve been in the equestrian business most of my life and this meets a lot of needs, so there’s nothing I’d change in the way we designed our facilities. We had an uncharacteristic 20 inches of snow this winter but with the indoor arena people can keep riding year-round. Our outdoor arena features sand and limestone footing, and it drains really well. We’re adding footing with synthetic fibers to the indoor this year and that will eventually go in the outdoor as well.” The facilities at Equestrian Lakes feature a 29-stall barn.
While they only have 12 horses there currently, they are trying not to fill it, instead ensuring there is room for new horses as more houses are built. They host clinics throughout the year and have had instructors from multiple disciplines, including four-star eventer Hannah Sue Burnett, who grew up nearby, and her mom Sue. “Our purpose isn’t to make a lot of money with this, but to
offer something for our residents and the outside public,” Rob says. “It’s a community lifestyle—I always compare it to a golf course. I love to see people gathering at the barn after work and enjoying their horses.”
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