horses in Massachusetts (Lynn, Andover, North Andover: home, school, to live in)

[PaintedScribbles]

I am looking into a job opportunity in the Andover area. We currently live on the west coast and have horses. We do a lot of trailriding and have lots of great places to go now.

I am curious of areas that have small horse properties within a commuting distance (maybe NH?) but also where there are good trails nearby. We are not rich - so it would need to be moderately priced. I haven't contacted a realtor yet, I am sure he/she would have good ideas, but it is nice to hear opinions.

For those of you that have owned horses in the area - I am curious what the situation is like. Our climate is mild enough we trail ride nearly year 'round. We do arena ride (at a stable) in the winter since it gets dark so early. I have the idea that this region has harsh winters and I wonder if people even ride during the winter season.

thanks!

[scarletfire]

There are lots of horse properties in Hamilton and Wenham, which are lovely small towns with train access and strong school systems. That's about a 40-45 minute drive to Andover (which is also a very nice town but it might be tough to find a lot large enough to accomodate horses at a reasonable price there.) Lynnfield also has large home lots but is very pricey.

I suspect that your best bet might be the Berlin/Bolton area. There are plenty of horse properties there. One of my husband's clients bought a wonderful place in Berlin that was ideal for horses. Lot sizes are quite large there so you can probably find something reasonably priced (relatively anyway - prices in MA are pretty high and lots of people who come here have sticker shock.) It's a sleepy little town of about 3,000 people but is close to shopping & major routes. It'd just be about 30 minute drive up Rt 495 to Andover. I used to do that drive (actually Berlin was my halfway point to Andover) and it wasn't bad.

You're right that the winters are harsh here. We have lots of horses in our area and I don't see people out on the trails in the winter. It's too icy and often very muddy. I imagine they must ride inside during Jan/Feb timeframe.

Are you moving from CA? We used to live in the Campbell/Los Gatos area. I miss those mild winters! :-)

Best of luck!

[scarletfire]

some trail info:
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Town of Bolton, MA - Index of Trail Maps

[Newmax]

Try Boxford and North Andover if your looking for property large enough for horses. Both towns pricey. Towns border State forest, conservation land. Ideal for horse lovers. Good luck.