Zoning

Why Horses Make Good Neighbors in Connecticut COMING SOON

CHC Statement on Horse Keeping:

In recent years, horse farms have been under pressure from increased zoning issues. CHC has actively participated in public hearings and meetings of zoning boards to represent the interests of horse and farm owners. Often, disagreements arise though misunderstandings on the part of both horse owners and town officials. CHC believes that following best management practices will often alleviate many problems. To that end, we offer educational materials and seminars to both horse owners and zoning board members to assist in resolving conflicts. It should be noted that horses fall under the state definition of Agriculture, and are considered “livestock” by both the state and towns.

Below you will find links to the zoning regulations for various municipalities in Connecticut. Not all towns are online, but we have provided as many links as possible on this page. Please contact the town manager or zoning commission for questions about their regulations. Before purchasing any property, CHC recommends that you first discuss the issue of keeping horses or other animals with the town.

NOTICE: The following zoning information is deemed correct, but not guaranteed. For the most recent and accurate updates please contact the town hall in the respective towns.

Click Here: CT Government Town Zoning Regulations List

EQUINE LAND CONSERVATION RESOURCE

MISSION:

The Equine Land Conservation Resource leads in the protection and conservation of lands for the horse and horse-related activities.

VISION:

A future in which horse lands have been conserved so that America’s equine heritage lives on and the emotional, physical and economic benefits of mankind’s bond with the horse remain accessible to all.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the US is losing 6,000 acres of open land every day. Large open spaces and contiguous tracts of land are critical to providing the space we need to support our nation’s equestrian heritage and economy. With the current rate of loss, we may not have enough land to support our horses and equestrian-related activities in as little as 15 years.

Six core issues impact equine land loss. They are: planning for horses in your community, conservation tools for horse lands, equine access to public lands, equine access to private lands, best management practices and the benefits of horses in communities.

To save our farms, trails, hayfields and other horse lands we must act immediately, addressing threats one by one, community by community. Concerned citizens across the nation are eager to get involved at a local level, but may not know where to start. Benefits of Horses to Our Communities Best Management Practices Conservation Tools for Horse Lands Equine Access to Private Lands Equine Access to Public Lands Frequently Asked Questions Planning for Horses in Your Community.

Benefits of Horses to Our Communities

Best Management Practices

Conservation Tools for Horse Lands

Equine Access to Private Lands

Equine Access to Public Lands

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning for Horses in Your Community

The American Horse Council is a bipartisan advocacy organization based in Washington DC, whose mission is to protect and strengthen the US equine industry.

2023 Economic Impact Study – The American Horse Council