In Sarasota, Florida, horse lovers rejoice at the array of equestrian amenities within close proximity of world-famous beaches and culture. Communities dotted across the Suncoast feature barns, hiking trails, equestrian centers, arenas and more, for those who love to ride. Additionally, there is unlimited access to horse riding lessons and horse boarding for horse owners in the area.
For those looking for the perfect mix of both the Florida beach and horse lifestyle, many of the equestrian communities in Sarasota, Florida are just 20-60 minutes from Sarasota’s thriving downtown and area beaches, making it easy to live both coast and country.
While an equestrian community yields plenty of amenities and luxuries for a local horse lover, you don’t have to own a horse to live here. This means that you can enjoy prime, large acreage and the country lifestyle, without necessarily riding. If you’re looking for a quiet lifestyle with room to roam and plenty of wildlife enjoyment, these Equestrian Communities in Sarasota, FL have just what you need.
Dating back to the 1930s, many of Sarasota’s equestrian communities feature properties with 1-5 acres for riding, training and boarding. However, more recent communities provide larger, sprawling properties with access to world-class, modern riding amenities.
Here is a look at the 10 best equestrian communities in Sarasota, Florida.
- Bern Creek – The Ranches at Bern Creek
- Built from the 1980s to 2010s, The Ranches at Bern Creek feature properties ranging from luxury estates to private single-family homes. With 92 properties in this stunning, lush community — many of which are owned by horse lovers — it’s no surprise that The Ranches at Bern Creek features amenities like horseback riding trails, horse stables, and barns.
- Foxfire & Foxfire West
- Located just east of I-75, Foxfire and Foxfire West feature homes with large lots ranging from two to five acres in size and dotted with majestic oak trees. The Foxfire West community is renowned for its bridle trails and unrivaled horse amenities, and with just 60 homes in this community, owners always have access.
- Gator Creek Estates
- This stunning community located East of I-75 is perhaps the most versatile destination for horse lovers and golfers alike. A deed-restricted gated community houses less than 70 homes, all ranging in size from 5-10 acres. Most homes here are stunning, custom-built single-family homes, many with equestrian amenities like barns and arenas. Additionally, it’s not required that home owners join the USGA championship golf course here, although, if you’re an avid golfer, you may be inclined to join the rolling course for just another element of the Florida lifestyle.
- Myakka Valley Ranches
- As one of Sarasota’s most recognized equestrian communities, Myakka Valley Ranches is located east of I-75, just 25-45 minutes away from Sarasota’s gulf beaches, near the Myakka River State Park. A much larger community of horse lovers thrives here, with properties that are 5 acres and up. Myakka Valley Ranches itself features 17 miles of equestrian trails and hiking paths.
- Panther Ridge
- Panther Ridge is a true Florida community that has actively preserved the wildlife and flora fauna of Sarasota’s country lifestyle. Located just east of busy and attractive Lakewood Ranch, Panther Ridge provides all of the amenities and features expected from a horse community, with easy access to some of the area’s best dining and shopping. Enjoy 15 miles of trails here, along with barns, stables and more.
- Saddle Creek
- My personal favorite! On days when I want to take in “Old Florida” beauty, I take a drive through Saddle Creek. Located in Greater Sarasota, Saddle Creek is one of the largest and most well known equestrian communities, dating back to the 1980s. Estate homes feature barns and outbuildings for horses and livestock, along with access to over 25 miles of riding trails. The drive through this community is pretty incredible. The majority of the homes have lush landscaping, gated entrances, and long winding driveways. The minimum lot size here is five acres, and the HOA allows for two detached buildings per home.
- Saddle Oak Estates
- Saddle Creek’s neighbor, Saddle Oak Estates, offers newer homes on exceptionally large lots too. Many homes here feature grazing space, barns and stables, and owners enjoy easy access to riding trails and lakes. Home owners here love the variety of homes, with unique styles from English manor houses to Mediterranean-style mansions.
- Sarasota Polo Club
- For any equestrian enthusiast, Sarasota Polo Club is the ultimate destination for home ownership. The amenities here include nine World Class Polo fields, a member’s clubhouse and an on-site veterinary clinic. During polo season, this community is alive with weekly polo tournaments featuring some of the area’s most reputable horse professionals. Located in Lakewood Ranch, this community offers easy access to the area’s best shopping and dining, in addition to world-class amenities.
- DeSoto Acres
- DeSoto Acres is one of Sarasota’s oldest equestrian communities dating back to the 1920s. Located east of I-75, just 5-20 minutes from Sarasota’s best beaches, downtown and restaurants, this community features homes with a minimum of two-acres. While DeSoto Acres was not designed specifically as an equestrian community, it does allow for horses.
- Fox Creek Acres East & West & Pine Valley Ranches
- Although they are smaller in size, Fox Creek Acres and Pine Valley Ranches offer large lots ranging from four to eight acres, perfect for housing horses and barns. Where these communities do thrive is in their proximity to downtown Sarasota, just 20-25 minutes away, and Lakewood Ranch, which is an easy 15 minute drive.