Designing for Equine Welfare:

Recapping Our Rancho Santa Fe Gathering

The Luxury Equestrian Network Spring Event brought together an engaged group of equestrian homeowners, real estate professionals, designers, and industry experts for an insightful conversation on how thoughtful property planning can directly support equine welfare, safety, and long-term usability.

The evening’s panel discussion explored the many ways horse welfare begins long before daily care routines — through the land itself, the layout of a property, turnout environments, barn infrastructure, and the systems that support horses behind the scenes.

The conversation began with homeowner Diane Korsh sharing firsthand experiences navigating renovations, permitting challenges, zoning considerations, and environmental constraints while improving her Carmel Valley equestrian property. Her perspective highlighted the realities many horse property owners face when balancing functionality, regulations, and the needs of their horses.

Kate Ginise of CapillaryFlow discussed the importance of turnout and healthier paddock environments, particularly in water-conscious regions like Southern California. The discussion explored sustainable subsurface turf watering systems, rotational grazing strategies, defensible space planning, and how thoughtfully managed turf can support both horse health and fire resilience.

Lisa Wood brought valuable insight into barn management, equine composting, and fire safety planning, emphasizing the role that daily operational decisions play in protecting both horses and properties. The audience gained practical insight into vegetation management, composting solutions, and common fire risks often overlooked on residential horse properties.

Closing the discussion, Sean Caddell of Sotheby’s International Realty shared perspective on what today’s luxury equestrian buyers look for in a property, including layout functionality, turnout space, circulation, infrastructure readiness, and long-term usability for both horses and owners.

Throughout the evening, one theme remained consistent: equine welfare begins at the property level. In regions like Southern California — where wildfire risk, water limitations, and zoning realities shape equestrian living — thoughtful planning and collaboration between homeowners and industry professionals have never been more important.

A special thank you to our panelists for sharing their expertise and experiences, and to everyone who joined us for an engaging and meaningful discussion.

Photography by Honey Photographs