Miami Real Estate by Land and Sea

janeAnne and the Eco-All Stars help to keep us at the forefront of being good stewards of the land in thought, deed and mentorship. janeAnne challenged us to come up with our green dream home, "money being no object". I'm late to the party (the judging is complete), but here is my idea of a green dream home(barn).

First Element: I would combine my home and barn into one structure. Building materials would be reduced, energy efficiency improved, and utility costs reduced by combining them into one structure rather than two. There would be windows between the main living areas and the stalls allowing us to check on our precious four-footed friends during ill health or weather.

Second Element: The house-barn would be built from straw-bale construction which is highly energy efficient, uses materials that might have been waste otherwise, uses materials from local sources and is economic. The wood for the structural members, flooring, doors and trim would be reclaimed and salvaged from old local barns and other structures.

Third Element: The roof would be a metal roof. Metal roofs usually contain at least 25% recycled materials which meet LEEDS building material standards. They are also very energy efficient in, especially in hot weather climates, and their lifespan is incredibly long, thereby reducing landfill waste. The windows and exterior doors would be Low-E, increasing the energy efficiency. (see charts below)

Forth Element: The home would use solar power and reclaimed rainwater as well as gray water. Being in a warm, sunny climate, solar is a great source of economical and efficient energy.

Fifth Element: The horse-keeping practices would be green incorporating pine pellets for the stall beds, organic food and products and a manure management system would be in place so as to not contaminate the ground water.

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC

Papillon Real Estate, LLC

786-252-4970

janie@janiecoffey.com

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Miami has a new riding school in town, Gold Stirrup Academy in Southwest Miami-Dade county.  Instructor Thammy Enriquez, a Spanish born and trained blue ribbon winner, heads up the new school.  Gold Stirrup offers all kinds of activities including lessons, trail rides, camps, horse shows and more.  The mother of three, Thammy also understands the importance of giving children something positive in their life that keeps them outdoors, playing with other children that also teaches them discipline, responsibility and determination.  Visit Gold Stirrup's website and learn more!

Janie Coffey
Owner/Broker, GRI, TRC, QSC
cell: 786-252-4970
email: janie@papillonllc.com

More Horse Blog Posts
Did you enjoy this?  Donations always needed at the South Florida SPCA to Help the Horses (you can mention my name in the "purpose" section if you want)

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www.SouthFloridaHorseProperties.com

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Crack!  I can still hear the noise like it was yesterday.  It sounded just like Barry Bonds hitting a homerun.....

I turn and see a small child in a heap on the ground and a horse running wild....

"Wow, who is that?  Why is Bailey's horse over there?" nothing was making sense until I put the two now very physically separate images that I can see together in my head... "That" is my daughter, Bailey, a 50 lb 11 year old and her horse was "over there" because he had just thrown her.  The CRACK, I later learn, was the sound of his back hoof hitting her helmet as he kicked back at her after stomping her...

Everything stops and I am not sure if I don't move at all or if I move at lightning speed, but I am there and her trainer and we roll her over.  She is breathing, gasping, but breathing.  We don't want to move her and her body is twisted up very odd, I am telling her to just slow down and tell me, just tell me, "are you hurt, scared, or really really hurt?"  she tells me hurt and scared.  I sigh ever so slightly.  After what seems like hours we realize she can sit up and we get her out of the ring and inside.

Slowly the story comes out, a little from her and a lot from those who saw it.  For whatever reason, her horse spooked and jumped straight up and she fell on the ground.  He reared or in some other way came down on her, one front hoof right on her back and one on her shin.  She jumped up on her knees and just and she did he kicked her right in the head with his back hooves.  The signs were all over her body... A solid hoof-print on her helmet, 1/2 on and 1/2 below the lower edge (just missed her shoulder, or any other flesh and blood), a solid hoof-print on the back of her protective riding vest and a solid hoof-print on the thick part of her leather half-chaps. Miraculously, she eventually walked away with only a very bad neck and back ache and a wicked hoof-print bruise on her shin.  Those who saw it say they had already called 911 as it was one of the worst things they had ever seen and these are experienced horsemen who have seen a lot.  I have no idea, other than God, how 3 hooves of this horse could connect so solidly with this small child and cause no more harm than that.  It was much, much more than luck.

Back up even 4 more hours the same day... We are driving to riding class and a voice in my head says "go get Bailey the riding vest".... Bailey had been very resistant to wearing a riding vest as they are pretty bulky and she is so small, but she was starting to jump and it just made sense, but I had not forced her to as of yet.  The voice told me, "go to the feed store and get the vest".  Lucky for me they had on XS in the back room and off I went.  Bailey was none-to-pleased with me, but I told her to put it on and one day, she would thank me for it... Little did I know it would be that same day.  I can gurantee you the MINIMUM she would have had were some severely broken ribs and I don't even want to think about the worst that could have happened without the vest... without a helmet, forget it, I won't even go there.

If you have children, please consider the protective vest or if they ride western, also the new hard helmets for western riding.  Even cowboys in rodeos these days wear vests, helmets and even some catchers' masks.  A horse is a huge and, at times, unpredictable animal.  If you grew up riding you might remember as a child thinking that you were untouchable, your horse would never spook or throw you, but you never know... it could be a dog (I broke my arm due to one chasing a horse), a snake, a back-fire or a bag blowing in the wind... enjoy horses, but be safe and make sure your children are safe so you have many many years of equestrian fun to enjoy.

The vests are not inexpensive, try a consignment shop or ebay, especially if your child is growing.  Have a vest decorating party if you want so they can snaz them up, anything just get them to wear them.  Take it from me, one day, you might just thank heavens you did. 

Janie Coffey
Owner/Broker, GRI, TRC, QSC
cell: 786-252-4970
email: janie@papillonllc.com

More Active Rain Blog Posts That I have Written
Did you enjoy this?  Donations always needed at the South Florida SPCA to Help the Horses (you can mention my name in the "purpose" section if you want)

www.PapillonRealEstate.com

copyright @ 2007 Janie Coffey

You may have owned several horse properties or this might be your first trip to the rodeo, no matter what, having a checklist of things to check out will be helpful to analyze your options.

Property surrounds - 

•     is the property fenced? if so will the fence work for you? is it high enough? is it in good repair? does it have barbed wire or other dangerous things that might need to be removed?
•     what are the neighbors like? if there are groves and/or row crops are they down-wind do they spray pesticides?
•     are you near a landfill or dump, even several miles away on a hot day with the right wind, this can be very smelly and unpleasant.
  

The land itself -

•     walk the property - are there holes in the ground that could be dangerous to your horse?
•     trees or other items that might need to be removed or moved?  what does your county require if you want to remove a tree? permit? replant an equal oxygen provider?
•     is the property next to water such as a canal or lake?  Will you have to have extra fencing/protection to make sure a friendly gator or snake doesn't bother you or your animals?
•     did they ever have a sand ring or arena even if not visible at the moment? If so, this might help cut costs when you want to build yours if you use the same location and size.
•     are there already pastures?  what kind of grass is there? does it have weeds? will this grass work for your horses?
•     is there a natural water supply such as a stream, lake, pond, etc. for the horses.  This is especially important in event of a hurricane
• how is the soil?  Rocky, coral rock, sandy, etc.?  How will this impact fencing, etc?
  

Constructed items -

•     are there barns or other structures on the building? are they in good repair? did they need a permit? did they have one?
•     are there wells on the property? how deep do they go?  do they need permits and if so did they have them?  are the pumps still there? In working order?
•     is there water and or electric to areas that you might want it later (ie lighting and sprinkler for an arena or ring)? 
•     are the structures (home, barn, etc.) set on the property to allow for maximum use of the land for pastures, rings, paddocks, etc?  How about visibility?  Will you be able to see your horses from most areas, how important to you is this? 
  
•     does the drive allow for easy access, loading and turning of a horse trailer?  circular is often best, but if not, what are the options?
•     are doors and walls in the barn safe and secure for your horses?  Stalls large enough? height of ceilings high enough for horse?  what about ceiling fan heights?
  
•     what is the floor or the barn and stalls constructed of? Will this work for you? if rubber mats are in the stalls, do they stay?
•     is the tack room air conditioned to keep your tack free of mildew?

In case of hurricanes - 

•     does the property have a generator? will it serve house and barn?
•     does the property flood? if so, how quickly does it drain?  visit it directly after a big rain.... if it floods, is there high ground for the horses to go to?
•     how is the maintenance of the trees?  will it require major trimming prior to a big hurricane?
•     how does the barn look?  it is hurricane built or will you need to take other arrangements for your horses? 

Natural dangers and pests -

•     is the area known for natural predators or nuisances such as dogs and snakes?  what can you do to protect your animals from them?
•     is the area know for natural plants that can be toxic to your animals?  will you be able to clean that out and keep it out?
•     if you are near wetlands, will you have a mosquito problem in the rainy season?  many areas in FL look beautiful in Winter but are miserable in summer, check this out before purchasing.
  

Permits/zoning, etc. - 

•     how many horses are you allowed per acre? will this work for you?
•     what is the restriction on building a barn or other structure? How far must it be from neighboring homes?  are there other restrictions? will you need a permit?
•     what about manure control? 
  
•     is the property zoned agricultural?  would you qualify for an agricultural tax exemption?  does it have one now?
  

For help finding or analyzing any horse property in South Florida, contact us today, your horse property experts!

Janie Coffey
Owner/Broker, GRI, TRC, QSC
cell: 786-252-4970
email: janie@papillonllc.com

More Horse Blog Posts
Did you enjoy this?  Donations always needed at the South Florida SPCA to Help the Horses (you can mention my name in the "purpose" section if you want)

www.PapillonRealEstate.com
www.SouthFloridaHorseProperties.com

Search for Florida Properties

Many people cannot keep their horses at their home. Some for lack of space, some need to be by their trainer, some want the social interaction of a barn. Below are some things to consider both for people searching for a barn and for those thinking about opening a boarding facility. If you have suggestions, please feel free to add them in the comments section below and I will add them in this post.

There are many things to consider when choosing a facility for your horse including safety, price, facilities, atmosphere, etc. For the most successful boarding experience, research and consideration must be given to all of these aspects as well as visits to several facilities to select from Take your time and choose wisely. Good luck!

1) What does boarding cost in South Florida - I have seen board as low as $150/mo for simply having a place for your horse to stay all the way up to $2,000/mo for the cream of the crop facilities

2) What does full board and half board mean? - "Full board" normally means the barn takes care of mucking the stalls, feeding the horses, turnout, etc. "Half board" normally means you will have to do some of the work yourself, maybe mucking the stalls, feeding, or all of it. "Pasture board" might also be available. Ask exactly what you get with your "plan". Can you work around the barn to pay for part of your board?

3) What is included in my boarding package? ask and get in writing what is and is not included or what is "extra", ie:

• turn-out (how often, how long and with what companions)
• fans - for the hot summer months are fans provided? If not can you bring your own? Will it cost you more?
• fly spray - do they have an automatic fly spray system?
• feed and hay - do you have to provide your own? can you specify a specific feed? will it cost you more?
• medicine - will they administer special medicines?
• exercise - if you are not able to exercise your horse often enough, do they provide someone who can? a hot-walker? what is the cost?
• Insurance - will you need any special insurance?
• routine farrier and equine dentistry care - do they help organize a routine visit from the farrier and equine dentist for all of the horses? what is the cost? what about routine vet care?
  
• tack-up and cool-down/wash services - some places will tack your horse up and cool them off/wash them for you when you are done. Does this barn do that? Is is part of the regular board or is it extra?
• blanketing - if you are not able, will they blanket your horse in cold weather or put on the fly blanket/masks in the summer?
  
• lessons - are any lessons included in your package? if not, do they offer lessons and at what cost?

4) Rules - what rules does the facility have that apply to the following items? what else is important to you? Ask to see the rules!

• Radios, Ipods, cell phones? - what do they allow and not allow? and if so, when and where? (ie not while riding, etc.)
• Children - what is the general atmosphere with the children? does it suit your needs? are there facilities and additional places for children to play? Do many children board there?
• Wardrobe - are you expected to dress a certain way? "Proper" English? Will you fit in with the other boarders?
• Horse grooming - are your horses expected to look a certain way? ie a dressage barn might expect you to roach or hogg the mane
• Arena time - what is the process for having time in the arena, ring, field? Will you have to share? Are there going to be classes going on at the same time?
• Stallions - are stallions kept on premises? If so, what is done to protect their safety as well as the other boarders and horses?

5) Maintenance - Check how often and WHO maintains and cleans the following:

• the arenas, rings or pens (ie sand, jumps, equipment, etc.)
• the fields
• the fences
• the tack room
• the barn aisles
• water buckets, trough, etc.
• how is the manure and used shavings handled?
  

6) Facilities - are any of the following facilities and features important to you?

• rubber mats in stalls
• sprinklers for the arenas or rings to keep the dust down on dry days
  
• a covered observation area for sunny days
  
• long term parking for your horse trailer
  
• shower for you and changing facilities
  
• storage and or lockers for your gear
• laundry facilities for blankets, saddle pads etc.
• playground
• lounge area (under AC?)
  
• A vet's office and/or area
• automatic watering system, water treatment system
• fly-spray system
• lit arenas and rings for night-riding
• Covered arenas for winter riding
• Accessibility to trails
  
• Fire sprinkler and alarm
• Specific size and shaped arenas, rings or pens for your style riding, as well as needed equipment (ie jumps, barrels, mirrors, etc.)

7) Staff - who will be providing the day to day care of your horses?

• Try and observe them during their shift, do you like how they interact with the horses?
• Do they have experience with horses? Ie would they be able to spot trouble ie colic, etc. in time to notify you?
• If there an on-site trainer?
• Does anyone stay all night at the facility?
• How is access controlled at night?

8) Emergency planning - what do they have planned in case of:

• Fire? What do they do to prevent it (ie hay storage, clearance of aisles, maintenance of lights and other electrical items) and what is their emergency plan in case one breaks out?
• Natural events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, etc. whatever is likely in your area?
• Sick or hurt horse? or communicable disease outbreak?
• Ask to see their emergency medical kit
  

9) Things to look out for regarding the well being of your horse:

• Ventilation - horses need lots of ventilation to keep their lungs healthy and happy, especially around hay and dust
  
• How often, how deep and with what stalls floors are covered (ie shavings, hay, etc.)
• Water quality
• Fire prevention
• Holes and other safety concerns immediately addressed
• What are the aisles, stalls and other floors constructed of?
  
• Are there barn dogs? How do they react around the animals?
  

10) Social - what is the social make up of the barn? You will be spending a lot of time there, do you have things in common with the other boarders? What is the social vibe of the barn? Relaxed? Formal? Structured? Do you feel welcome there? Do they spend a lot of time socializing? Do they have parties, shows, events? Do they help out when you might need it? Do they practice the same discipline of riding? Riding and horses means different things to different people. To some it is a rigid structured discipline. To others it is a fun, relaxing past time. To others it is spending time with good friends and family, both two and four legged. Finding a barn that has similar ideas as you do about horses, riding and care will be essential to finding a happy home for you.

11) Legalities - what if:

• You can't pay your bill? Do they have a right to keep your horse?
• You aren't able or available to take emergency care of your horse? Do they have the right to do so on your behalf at your cost?
• What is you or someone is hurt?
• What if your horse is hurt?
• When and how much can they raise the board?
• Get a written contract.
• If you would like to open a boarding facility, here is a great resource for the legalities
• How long of a contract is required?

Here is a great resouce to help get your started:

Janie Coffey
Owner/Broker, GRI, TRC, QSC
cell: 786-252-4970
email: janie@papillonllc.com

More Horse Blog Posts
Did you enjoy this? Donations always needed at the South Florida SPCA to Help the Horses (you can mention my name in the "purpose" section if you want)

www.PapillonRealEstate.com
www.SouthFloridaHorseProperties.com

Search for Florida Properties