5 Things that can Improve Aesthetics of the Horse Property

Nov 9, 2011
Chris Thomas

Well Kept Fences, Pastures and Trees Look Great - C. Thomas

Many horse properties are businesses. The impression that is gained by clients coming through the front gate and about the property is an important one.

First impressions that are negative in nature can be difficult to turn around. The appearance of the property as someone drives down the road that displays the perimeter fence and entrance is highly important.

The Front Gate and Driveway

As future clients make their way onto the property, they should already be thinking, “I’d love to have my horse live here… I want to live here!” The drive should be easy to navigate and void of pot holes. A good impression can be achieved by having a property that is well maintained and visually appealing. Consider some major influences on this opinion:

Fencing
Trees
Pastures
Facilities
Horses

It is fairly common for horse properties to have variation in types of fencing. This may be due to different types of horses, with stallions perhaps being preferred in post and rail paddocks, whilst the spelling geldings may be fine with post and wire fencing.

If having different forms of fencing, the type that is most aesthetically pleasing (well painted post and rails are a favourite for many) are often on display at the front of the property where clients will most often be. For all types of fencing, maintenance should be a high priority. Loose droppers, fallen rails or leaning fence posts will immediately decrease the chance of a good first impression.

Trees and Pastures

Trees can offer many benefits to the horse property. On top of this, they look great! Establishing trees on a property in areas that will provide shade to horses is a great way to invest in the land and increase its future value.

Pasture is another valuable resource that should be utilised to provide horses with the majority of their nutritional needs. Paddocks that horses are able to be turned out into that have good ground cover and a lack of weeds are visually appealing. Keeping on top of slashing, harrowing and rotating paddocks will help to ensure the pastures stay healthy and look good.

Facilities Available to the Client

Another draw card to a property’s popularity will be the availability of facilities and their condition. Older facilities are more than sufficient as long as they function properly.

There’s no use however in advertising to clients the availability of an arena that has a falling apart perimeter fence and poor footing, an unsafe round yard and dilapidated stables. If such facilities are on the property but not in a functional state, it’s better to leave this out of advertising until they are up and running safely.

The Condition of Resident Horses

The physical condition that horses are in can say a lot about their care. If the property is well kept, it follows that clients will assume the same for the horses. This can best be proven by having horses that are in good physical condition, alert and sound.

Businesses that offer good service to clients at a reasonable cost should find they’re consistently in business due to word of mouth. Making sure that the above factors are kept on top of can help to generate a good first impression and gain those first clients.