Horse Guidelines in NY (New York, York: houses, buy, zoning)

[braylee]

I am moving to New York in a couple months. Looking in the hammondsport area. I was wondering how many acres you need to have in order to own a horse.

Thanks

[Sgoldie]

I'm not aware of anyplace upstate that has a restriction like that. Obviously if you're locating into an urban area there may be laws against keeping other than dogs or cats.

[braylee]

Interesting. I wasnt sure if there were guidelines or not. It is a very rural area I am moving. I will ask our realtor when we head up there next week to look at houses. Hopefully he will know.
Thanks!

[BovinaCowHateWindTurbines]

Here in Bovina people have them right in their backyards in town on less than an acre to 3 or more, and people ride them in and around town on occasion.. Lots of horse farms and trails literally right out of town.

[BuffaloTransplant]

It depends on the town and whether the location had horses pre-zoning laws( then they are grandfathered). Here, you needed no specific acreage for horses pre 1954. After that, w/zoning, you need 10 acres.

Consult the town's Zoning Board. They should be able to tell you. NYS has specific aoning laws. I back up to a farm and we weren't here in 1954. Our neighbor was and had 3 horses on less acreage than we have. A woman down the road has 2 or less acres. We can't. (1954 was adoption of zonig for the town). If the town zoning doesn't affect it, then maybe NYS will.

Check before you buy the land. Also, it should probably be in an Agricultural district ot an AR ( ag-residential)

[braylee]

Thanks for the information, i will check with the zoning board in the town.

[PeggyTugHill]

Originally Posted by braylee

I am moving to New York in a couple months. Looking in the hammondsport area. I was wondering how many acres you need to have in order to own a horse.

Thanks

It's not just about the town's requirements, a horse NEEDS acreage to graze and to be a horse- Keep this in mind when looking for land. Water source is also important- as well as shelter.
There is a formula for figure out how many acres you will need to provide proper care and space for a horse- check with local breeders/stables.
Good luck-owning a horse is a huge responsibility- vets, feed, foot care, dental ect. are not cheap. We have a horse and stable her due to lack of fields in our area. Any animal will bring you such joy- just make an educated decision.
Peg

[braylee]

Thanks Peg, You bring up a few really good points. We still have a LOT of research to do about owning a horse and plan on taking it slow.
When looking for houses, its something in the back of my mind as far as land goes I love animals!!!