Finding the Right Horse Property in Custer County

Custer County is horse country. The Wet Mountain Valley offers wide open pastures, access to national forest trails, and a community of horse owners who understand what it means to care for animals in a rural mountain environment. But not every property that looks like a horse property actually works as one.

Here is what to evaluate when you are looking for equestrian property in the area.

Fencing is the first thing to assess. Good horse fencing is expensive to install and time-consuming to maintain. Walk the entire perimeter of any property you are considering. Look for broken posts, sagging wire, and gaps near gates. Ask when the fencing was last repaired and what type it is — no-climb wire is ideal for horses; barbed wire is not.

Water access is non-negotiable. Horses drink 10–15 gallons of water per day. You need a reliable, year-round water source — a well with adequate flow rate, a spring, or a pond. Ask for the well log and find out the gallons-per-minute output. In winter, you also need a way to keep water from freezing, which usually means a heated stock tank or frost-free hydrant.

Pasture quality and carrying capacity matter. A beautiful green pasture in June may be overgrazed and bare by August. Ask how many horses the property has supported in the past and whether the pasture is irrigated or dry land. Overgrazing leads to weed invasion and erosion — both expensive to fix.

Barn and outbuilding condition. Inspect the barn carefully. Look at the roof, the stall floors, the electrical wiring, and the ventilation. Old barns can be charming but expensive to bring up to safe standards. Find out if there is a tack room, hay storage, and whether the barn has power and water.

Trailer access and road conditions. You need to be able to get a horse trailer in and out of the property safely, especially in winter. Steep driveways, narrow gates, and soft ground can all create problems. Drive the access road in different conditions if you can.

Trail access and riding terrain. One of the great advantages of Custer County is proximity to national forest and BLM land with miles of trails. Find out how close the property is to trail access and whether there are any easements or agreements that allow riding across neighboring land.