Davie Horse Property and Bridle Paths: Complete Equestrian Buyer Guide 2026
What makes Davie a horse property destination?
**Davie horse property** sits within an active equestrian community supported by Town of Davie maintained bridle paths, A-1 agricultural zoning permitting horses with proper permits, and a network of equestrian-friendly neighborhoods including Long Lake Ranches, Sunshine Ranches (unincorporated), Ivanhoe Estates, and Rolling Hills. Davie is one of the few incorporated South Florida municipalities with a designated equestrian identity, branded as Cowboy Town, with horse-rights protected by zoning code.
By Anthony Spitaleri
Davie horse property is rare in Broward County and rarer still in greater South Florida, which makes it one of the few places where serious equestrian buyers can keep horses on their property without leaving the metro. This guide walks you through the zoning that supports horse property, the bridle path network, where to find horse-friendly homes, what to verify before buying, and how the Davie equestrian community works.
The Town of Davie’s equestrian identity is intentional and codified. The zoning code preserves agricultural land use in west Davie. Bridle paths run alongside roads in many neighborhoods. The annual Davie Pro Rodeo at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds reflects the cultural commitment. For buyers who want to ride out their own front gate, Davie horse property is one of a small number of viable options in the metro.
Where Davie horse property exists
Concentrations of Davie horse property:
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Sunshine Ranches (unincorporated Broward, immediately west of Davie) — The classic Davie-area horse country. 5 to 10 acre lots typical, no HOA, minimum-build covenants, dedicated bridle path network. Verifiable via the Sunshine Ranches Homeowners Association (which manages bridle paths despite the no-HOA characterization on individual lots).
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Long Lake Ranches — Gated luxury with shared equestrian trails as part of the amenity package. Lot sizes 0.5 to 1.4 acres. Equestrian use permitted on properties zoned for it. See Long Lake Ranches buyer guide for the full breakdown.
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Ivanhoe Estates and Rolling Hills — Mix of equestrian-zoned and standard residential. Specific parcels permit horses; verify per parcel.
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Hawkes Bluff — Gated community with smaller lots and Spanish-Mission architecture; equestrian use limited compared to the larger acreage neighborhoods.
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Davie Road and SW 26th Street corridors — Scattered acreage with horse use rights on A-1 zoned parcels.
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Davie horse country broadly — Anthony’s existing community guide on livingindavieflorida.com walks through the full equestrian map.
The Davie bridle path network
Davie maintains a network of dirt and grass bridle paths along select roadways and neighborhood perimeters. Locations vary, but the heaviest concentrations are in:
– West Davie along Stirling Road, Griffin Road, and SW 26th Street
– Within Long Lake Ranches connecting community amenities
– Sunshine Ranches throughout the unincorporated section
– Ivanhoe Estates internal connectors
The Town of Davie planning department maintains the official bridle path map. Some paths are public-access, some are HOA-maintained, and some are easements running across private property. Verify access rights for any parcel you consider before assuming you can ride out the gate.
Town of Davie equestrian zoning rules
A-1 agricultural zoning is the primary classification permitting equestrian use. General rules (verify with the Town of Davie planning department for any specific parcel):
- Minimum lot size: typically 1 acre per horse
- Stable or barn: requires building permit and conditional use approval
- Setbacks: stable structures must meet specific distance requirements from property lines
- Fencing: required to contain horses; specifications vary
- Manure management: written plan required for properties with multiple horses
- Riding arena: permitted on larger lots with engineering and drainage approval
Other zoning classifications (R-1AAA, R-1AA, R-1A, RM) have varying equestrian rights. Some permit a single horse on minimum lot sizes, others prohibit equestrian use entirely. Always verify the specific zoning for any parcel you consider before assuming you can keep horses there.
What to inspect on Davie horse property
The standard home inspection covers the residence. For Davie horse property, also verify:
- Stable or barn condition: roof, electrical, plumbing, drainage, ventilation
- Fencing: condition, height, gate operation, predator/escape prevention
- Pasture quality: drainage, grass coverage, soil condition, fly and tick management
- Water source for horses: well capacity, automatic watering systems
- Septic capacity: sized for the home, but pasture runoff and manure management can stress systems
- Riding surface: arena footing, trail conditions on or adjacent to property
- Lights: safety lighting around stables, pastures, and access points
- Storage: hay and feed storage, tack room, equipment shed
- Trailer access: driveway and gate dimensions for a horse trailer
- Bridle path access: do the property easements actually connect to the path network?
Insurance for Davie horse property
Equestrian-specific insurance considerations:
- Liability: horses kicking, biting, escaping cause significant injury claims. Most Davie horse property owners carry $1M+ umbrella policies. Equine-specific liability available through specialty insurers.
- Hurricane wind: outbuildings (stables, barns) typically covered separately from main dwelling. Confirm coverage and limits.
- Equine mortality: covers the horse itself in case of death. Optional, premium varies by horse value.
- Trail riding coverage: some carriers exclude or limit trail riding from standard liability. Verify if riding off-property is part of your use.
- Boarding revenue (if applicable): if you board horses for income, that triggers commercial-grade insurance requirements. Different from residential equine coverage.
Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Center
The Davie equestrian community includes Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, a nonprofit serving children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted activities. Anthony volunteers at Bit by Bit weekly. The center’s existence reflects Davie’s depth as an equestrian community beyond pure recreational riding. For buyers building life in the Davie horse community, Bit by Bit is one of several local connection points.
What buyers should verify before touring Davie horse property
The pre-tour checklist:
- Zoning of the specific parcel (Town of Davie planning department or Broward County for unincorporated)
- Bridle path access (easements, public roads, HOA-maintained paths)
- Stable and outbuilding permits (pulled or required to pull)
- Septic and well systems (sized for the home, capable for horse use)
- Flood zone via msc.fema.gov for the specific parcel
- Insurance availability including equine liability and outbuilding coverage
- Local feed/farrier/vet network (does the area have what you need?)
- Trailer access and parking (can you actually get a horse trailer in and out?)
Frequently Asked Questions About Davie Horse Property
Are horses allowed in Davie Florida?
Yes. Davie permits horses on properties zoned A-1 agricultural (and select other classifications) subject to lot size minimums, stable permits, setbacks, and Town of Davie planning approval. The Town of Davie’s equestrian identity is codified in zoning that preserves agricultural use in west Davie.
Where are the bridle paths in Davie Florida?
Bridle paths exist along select roadways and within multiple neighborhoods including Long Lake Ranches, Sunshine Ranches (unincorporated), Ivanhoe Estates, and along Stirling Road, Griffin Road, and SW 26th Street corridors. The Town of Davie planning department maintains the official bridle path map. Verify access rights for any parcel before assuming you can ride out.
How much horse property costs in Davie depends on what?
Davie horse property pricing depends on lot size, location (gated luxury versus unincorporated acreage), home age and condition, equestrian buildout (existing stable, riding arena, fencing), and bridle path access. Pricing spans a wide range from acreage in the high $700,000s to multi-million dollar luxury equestrian estates. Verify current pricing with your agent.
Do I need a permit to build a stable in Davie?
Yes. Stable, barn, or other equestrian structure construction requires a building permit and conditional use approval from the Town of Davie planning department. Setbacks, drainage, and structural requirements apply. Verify the permit pathway BEFORE making an offer if you plan to build new equestrian infrastructure.
What is Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Center?
Bit by Bit is a nonprofit therapeutic riding center in Davie serving children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted activities. The center is one of several institutional anchors of the Davie equestrian community, alongside the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds and the broader Sunshine Ranches and Long Lake Ranches communities.
Talk to a Davie Real Estate Expert
If you are searching for Davie horse property and want to map zoning, bridle path access, and equestrian-friendly neighborhoods against your specific use plan, the next step is a direct conversation. Anthony Spitaleri, Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker, Davie native, and weekly volunteer at Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, specializes in Davie equestrian property. Schedule a strategy call and start the search with someone who knows the trails.
Anthony Spitaleri
Living in Davie Florida
954-235-5783
Davie, Florida
livingindavieflorida.com
About Anthony Spitaleri
Anthony Spitaleri is a top real estate agent in Davie, Florida and a Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker. A Davie native with deep knowledge of the local market, Anthony created livingindavieflorida.com, the most comprehensive Davie real estate resource available, featuring in-depth guides for all 52 Davie neighborhoods including Long Lake Ranches, Hawkes Bluff, Ivanhoe Estates, Rolling Hills, and Shenandoah. The site provides original weekly market data, interactive tools including a Flood Zone Checker, School Zone Finder, and HOA Fee Comparison, and a 24/7 AI concierge that answers Davie real estate questions. Anthony specializes in luxury homes and estates above $1 million, acreage properties with no HOA, and relocation buyers moving to Davie from out of state. He is a Certified Strategic Coach through Coaching Services International (CSI), an active member of the Davie Cooper City Chamber of Commerce, and a weekly volunteer at Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Davie. His data driven, neighborhood level approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiation reflects his belief that Davie’s 52 distinct communities, variable flood zones, and diverse HOA structures demand a specialist, not a generalist.
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