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.
Southwest Florida equestrian communities provide property offerings that range from single-family-homes to grand luxury estates. Glen Bigness 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 Glen Bigness and get an equestrian real estate professional to 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 – 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 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, Less than 70 home sites, 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, Homes: Around 60, 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, Homes: Around 300, 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: Built from 1990s to 2010s.
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.
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, Homes: 350 home sites, 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 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, Homes: 30 for Pine Valley Ranches, 24 for Fox Creek Acres, and 41 homes in Fox Creek 2, Various styles built over the last 40 years.
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.
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, Various styles built from 1970s to present.
Are you looking for a horse property in Sarasota County Florida? We can help locate a home for you and your horses across the state. Since 1986 finding horses homes…
Glen Bigness, Equestrian Agent 239-272-4663 or email me horseflorida@gmail.com with your needs in an equestrian property so I can build you a CUSTOM property search and report from the area MLS systems! Premiere Plus Realty serving 15 counties across Florida. Rural homes with land, horse properties and bulk Florida land sales 100-1000 acres!