Planning and zoning decisions can affect how land is taxed, what it can be used for, and which standards and regulations are applied to it. These regulations determine not only whether individuals can keep horses on their own property, but also whether horses have access to community parks and trails.

Since land is saved locally it is vital that horsemen understand the basics of planning and zoning and how this impacts horse keeping, breeding, competing, and recreating, as well as equine-related businesses in their communities, in order to retain access to horses and enjoy their benefits.

Horsemen can find the resources they need to understand land use planning, zoning ordinances, and their implications for horses and horse-related activities on the Equine Land Conservation Resource’s website under "Planning for Horses in Your Community."

With support from the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Dudley T