Property Horse Farms VS Horse Ranches

Horses are prized for their beauty, strength, speed and disposition. These animals are a vital part of a number of industries ranging from Thoroughbred racing to agriculture. Depending on the horse's function, horses are usually kept at either property horse farms or horse ranches.

Functions

Property horse farms generally keep horses for horseback riding, racing, show or breeding purposes. Horses may also be raised on small property horse farms as pets. On the other hand, horses are often used as work animals at a horse ranch. Horse farms usually keep only horses, while ranches generally raise other animals such as cattle, pigs or sheep.

Breeds

Because ranch horses are used for work purposes, the horse breeds found at these locations are strong with muscular bodies. Common breeds at ranches include Appaloosas and American Paints. In contrast, horse farm breeds differ depending on the horse's function. American Quarters, Arabians and Thoroughbreds are often found at property horse farms. If the horse farm keeps show horses, then rare and unusual breeds may be found.

Locations

Both horse ranches and property horse farms are found in municipalities across the United States. However, a greater concentration of property horse farms may be found in states with reputable horse shows and races. This would include states such as Kentucky, California, Ohio and New York. Ranches are usually found in areas with strong agriculture and livestock industries. Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and a number of western states all have numerous horse ranches.