Since the open space in this type of community is easier to maintain than golf courses, this is a good solution for those wanting the feeling of open space and it is better for the environment without the high maintenance of a golf course.
Here is a filtered list of equestrian communities. It is said there are about 250 horse communities in the U.S. and many more on the planning boards. Not all are designated for over 55, but most are focused on retirement lifestyles.
For those who are interested in further research, there is a leading company that provides consultation to communities considering adding equestrian facilities. Their website shows proposed projects you may enjoy being aware of.
Equestrian Services
Some two million people own horses. For them and others recreational horse back riding provides a valuable exercise and keeps people active and healthy. Seek expert advice and assistance, however, since horse back riding like skiing and other very active sports can entail some risk no matter your age or how experienced you may be.
There are some areas of the United States that have a horse culture. We have many of them represented here.
States on this page:
Florida
The Oaks of Lake City Northern Florida location. This is the first of "branded equestrian communities." Compare with branded golf communities--this is a new idea applied to equestrian communities. People will have more trust in a community with an equestrian authority's name on it.
This one is Olympian David O'Connor's signature community. O'Connor trained and certified groomers and stablehands await you after your ride to assist you. Enjoy refreshments at an adjacent covered arena.
Small lots and farmettes. Whether you ride or not, you may enjoy the lifestyle on the 1222 acres.
The Oaks of Lake City
Pineridge Estates Citrus County - approximately 65 miles north of Tampa in the "natural" part of the state. Equestrian center with miles and miles of trails. Also biking and hiking trails. Comfortable country environment. 1-5 acre parcels.
Pineridge Estates
ComingCastellina Wellington, Fl in Palm Beach County by DiVosta - Interest list forming - too soon for pricing - Gated community in a town known for equestrian trails - lush folliage and lake views - 2 to 4 bedroom homes - low maintenance lifestyle but not exclusive to seniors - close to Florida's shoreline. Castellina by DiVosta
New Mexico
Montaraz High end development near town of Ruidoso in New Mexico. Themed community for second homes and retirement. Equestrian amenities.
Arizona
Rio Verde In Rio Verde east of Scottsdale - over 55 community with fabulous mountain views and 50 minutes to Phoenix - Saddle Club for riding and boarding among the many amenities Rio Verde
Prescott American Ranch Prescott - Not a senior community but worth noting for the equestrian amenities and location beside Prescott National Forest - homesteads one to five acres each. Prescott American Ranch
Prescott Lakes Golf and Country Club Prescott -This is a senior community with Equestrian facilities nearby. Prescott Lakes Golf and Country Club/
Idaho
M3 Eagle Eagle, Idaho near Boise - Not a senior community but if you want to experience the openness of the West, this may be the place for you with the areas's equestrian amenities - community is on 6000 acres. M3 Eagle
New England - Massachusetts
Huckins Farm Bedford, Massachusetts - 15 miles northwest of Boston. Stand-alone and attached homes. Resales. Would you like a New England yesteryear ambience surrounded by nature. Nearly 70% of Huckins Farm is protected status. Miles of trails for walking and horse riding. Very open and borders Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge. On-site Equestrian Center with barn and paddocks. Resort lifestyle with clubhouse, tennis, pool, spa and more.
Huckins Farm
Trail Ridge at Harvard Harvard, Ma (not the university) - small country town close to 495 and commuter rail to Boston. Of 56 homes, 24 are age-restricted. Near equestrian facilities and protected land. Floorplans are named Belmont and Derby. Dual master bedroom designs and full basements. From $349,900. Trail Ridge at Harvard
Maryland
Marlborough Ridge This is in Upper Marlborough in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Although most of the homes are large, there are some townhomes. Equestrian amenities. By Toll Brothers.
Marlborough Ridge
Virginia
Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards An ideal location between Richmond and historic Williamsburg on I-64 - By K Hovnanian - Now Selling - In master-planned community of New Kent Vineyards featuring golf, vineyards and a winery, Equestrian Center and Polo fields. This is the active adult community at New Kent Vineyards. Single homes start at $199,990 for 2 BRs, 2 baths and 2-car garage.
Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards for Over 55
California
Laguna Woods Village Southern California - Large gated community with Equestrian Center as one of many amenities - hourly riding or boarding for residents horses - condos, co-ops and high rises. Laguna Woods Equestrian Center
North Carolina
White Oak Golf and Equestrian Tryon, North Carolina - Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains - 45 miles to Greenville-Spartanburg area. 85 homesites in Phase I.
White Oak Golf and Equestrian
McLendon Hills West End North Carolina - In Moore County, home of Moore Regional Hospital. Equestrian center. Lakefront, vista and mini-farm tracts. State of the art Equestrian center.
McLendon Hills
Wolf Creek Ranch Waynesville, NC adjacent to Pisgah National Forest, Appalachian Mountains, and near Asheville - Gateway to explore hundreds of miles of trails on and off property. Build your cabin or homestead. See article "Saddle Up" on this page. Wolf Creek Ranch in North Carolina
Tennessee
The Farm at Tralee Near Knoxville, Tennessee - Holrob Communities is developer - Premier gated community in foothills of Great Smokies - Resort and retirement amenities - maintenance-free farm setting - 40 homesites on 200 acres for plenty of space. State of the art equestrian facilities. One million plus. Holrob Communities-The Farm at Tralee
Rarity Bay Vonore TN - On Lake Tellico homes and condominiums - equestrian center - East Tennessee near Knoxville. Rarity Bay Equestrian Center
Highland Reserve Kingston Tennessee - Equestrian friendly community on Watts Bar Lake. Small lots to estates.
Highland Reserve Community
Colorado
High Prairie International Polo Club 1000 acres in Douglas County, Colorado. 60 luxury semi-custom homes. Near Colorado Horse Park. See local Realtors for more information.
Sandstone American Ranch Between Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado - one of finest equestrian centers - limited number of custom homesites. Sandstone American Ranch
South Carolina Horse Country
The Ridge at Chukker Creek Aiken - Family-owned green community with equestrian facilities. Gentle hills and spring fed pond. Additional features are conservation planning and green design. The Ridge at Chukker Creek

Photo permission of The Ridge at Chukker Creek
Brigadoon Equestrian Community Aiken South Carolina - 43 lots in Phase I - if you love horses and open space - Polo field
Townhomes at Bellewood Within Reserve at Woodside Plantation - Not an equestrian community but Aiken - South Carolina - is known for it's entrenched equestrian culture. This community has many of the features of retirement communities and an active lifestyle. Nearby polo fields. From $300's. Townhomes at Bellewood
Spring Island Spring Island, South Carolina - Between Beaufort and Savannah - 20 acre Equestrian center and 35 miles of trails - from cottages to multi-million dollar estates.
Spring Island
Rose Hill Plantation Bluffton - Large community of over 960 estate homes on over 2000 acres - complete equestrian center, 50 acres of pasture and much more - also golf, fishing etc Rose Hill Plantation
Grand Harbor Golf and Yacht Club On Lake Greenwood - Equestrian Center at this large community of homes packed with amenities has stable, paddock and open area. Private lessons available. Trails next door on private land. Grand Harbor Golf and Yacht Club Equestrian Center