Some readers may be in the market for an equestrian property as part of their relocation. If you have not researched this type of property, here are some things you may want to consider (issues may vary from state to state, of course).

Obviously budget is probably first on the list - assuming you are either pre-approved or are a cash buyer - and you should have a good idea of what you are willing to spend. This type of specialty property can vary widely in price, based on region of the country, number of acres, the house and any  outbuildings, among other factors (horse properties in my area of San Diego can run as high as $20 million or so, and rarely below $1,000,000)

Decide on how much acreage you want - 2-5, 10, 20 or more? Availability of these properties will vary and may depend on proximity to larger cities. You are more likely to find more land at a better price much further away from the suburbs and urban areas.

What are the details of the property you are seeking? In addition to a main house (size, bedrooms, baths), what other facilities do you want - guest house; house for staff; one or more barns (holding how many horses, including one or more tack rooms); fenced in paddocks or pastures (number, size, type of fencing, ability to add more); storage for feed/grain/hay/straw/etc. either in a barn or a separate building; outdoor riding ring; indoor arena (or room to build one); equipment included in the sale (tractor, jump equipment, etc.); a track (if interest is in racing); room for parking horse trailers and/or vans; access to trails and other equestrian facilities in the area. You may also have an interest in having a well and if so, what is the size, capacity, etc.

What is the zoning - you may run across areas that place a limit on the number of horses you can maintain on the property, whether you can run a business or not and what type (e.g., show horses, race horses, riding lessons) and so on.

What communities are most likely to have these kinds of properties (here in North County San Diego Olivenhain, which is part of Encinitas, and Rancho Santa Fe are well known towns offering a range of horse properties; further out you will find them in Bonsall, Valley Center and Fallbrook, among other areas)?

Is there a way to find out about properties not currently on the market but whose owners might be willing to sell?