The Best Equestrian-Friendly Communities in St. Augustine FL

In addition to being known for its gorgeous beaches and rich American history, St. Augustine is popular among equestrians for its impressive horseback riding community. The city is home to countless stables, equestrian centers, and over 120 acres of horseback riding trails. St. Augustine’s horseback riding scene is perfectly suited to those only just learning the sport as well as seasoned equestrians, and one of the best ways to explore the city’s horse-friendly areas is by way of a guided tour on horseback. Perhaps most unique to the area is that some beaches even allow horseback riding so long as riders attain the necessary permits. Whether horseback riding is a part-time hobby or full-time passion, St. Augustine is home to a number of equestrian communities that welcome you with open arms.

River’s Edge Plantation

A brand new community in development in the suburbs of St. Augustine, River’s Edge Plantation offers residents the modern luxury of new construction coupled with the ideal destination to house and ride horses. The community, built by Adele Designer Homes, offers an assortment of stunning floor plans and new residents can choose the one that best suits their lifestyle and preferences. Home features high ceilings, large windows, and top of the line finishes that include quartz countertops and custom cabinets with soft-close drawers. River’s Edge Plantation is home to a number of waterfront lots, and the community is only a fifteen minute drive from Wolf Golf Village, offering residents easy access to some of the country’s best golf courses. The neighborhood was built with equestrians in mind, as it is made up of over 250 acres of horseback riding trails as well as land that is properly permitted for horse stables. Residents can also take advantage of riverfront access for docking their boats and enjoying time spent out on the water. Homes at River’s Edge Plantation vary in size, as they are all custom builds, and prices start in the low $1M. 

Whitelock Farms

Located almost directly in between Downtown Jacksonville and Downtown St. Augustine, the equestrian-friendly community of Whitelock Farms offers a convenient location to call home while also still providing a serene, country-like setting that is ideal for even the most serious equestrians. As a riding community, homes for sale in Whitelock Farms sit on oversized lots that include anywhere from 2 to 9 acres. Additionally, many homes are also equipped with all the private facilities your horses will need, including barns and fenced grazing areas. You’ll also have access to a variety of equestrian amenities within the Whitelock Farms community as well, including multiple riding areas, a jumping and dressage area, and nature trails. As one of the premier equestrian-friendly communities in St. Augustine, look for homes in Whitelock Farms to start well over $1 million and top out somewhere in the $3 to $3.5 million range in most cases. 

Ranch Club at Ashton Oaks

A gated community designed with the equestrian in mind, Ranch Club at Ashton Oaks gives residents the opportunity to live in a community that is built around horses. While some homes have already been built, there remain several parcels of land spanning a number of acres yet to be developed, that are cleared and waiting for a new owner to build a home. Homes at Ranch Club at Ashton Oaks are custom built and thus vary in size, however existing homes fall between 3,000 and 6,500 square feet. The Ranch Club itself contains a full size horse training arena, a round pen, and a pavilion, and is only a short distance from the community’s homes. Another draw of Ranch Club at Ashton Oaks is that it falls within an excellent school district, and also provides easy access to the St. Augustine Outlet Mall and World Golf Village. Home buyers interested in settling down at Ranch Club at Ashton Oaks can expect to see vacant lots priced in the high $700s and existing homes priced within the $2M range. For those passionate about horses, it’s difficult to imagine a better place to live in the St. Augustine area.