For horse owners in Southeastern North Carolina, the dream is often a barndominium with a pasture view. But finding that perfect mix of sandy soil, acreage, and proximity to Wilmington is harder than it looks. You can’t just buy five acres anywhere and build a stable.

The sweet spot for local equestrians is what we call the Equestrian Corridor—a specific stretch of land straddling the border of Castle Hayne, Rocky Point, and Hampstead. This is where the soil is right, the zoning is friendly, and you are never more than 20 minutes from a vet.

If you are looking to bring your horses to the coast in 2025, here is your insider guide to the corridor.

The Zoning Divide: New Hanover vs. Pender

The biggest mistake buyers make is assuming rural means unrestricted. The county line you choose dictates your rights.

New Hanover County (Castle Hayne): While areas like Castle Hayne feel rural, they are increasingly regulated. Generally, you need a minimum of one acre to keep a horse, but the real kicker is the setbacks. Stables often must be 50 feet from any right-of-way and 20+ feet from property lines. On a long, narrow 2-acre lot, these setbacks can sometimes make building a legal barn impossible.

Pender County (Rocky Point/Hampstead): This is the gold standard for flexibility. Here, the Bona Fide Farm status is the ultimate goal. If you can prove agricultural intent (via a Schedule F tax form or forest management plan), you may be exempt from many county zoning regulations. This status shields you from the encroachment of suburban rules that plague horse owners closer to the city.

Neighborhood Spotlight

You don't always have to buy a raw tract of land. Several master-planned communities cater specifically to the equestrian lifestyle.

Whitebridge (Castle Hayne): This is the crown jewel of New Hanover equestrian living. It offers luxury estate homes on 2-5 acre lots where horses are not just allowed, they are expected.

Equine Acres (Hampstead): As the name suggests, this community was built for riders. It features dedicated riding trails that weave through the neighborhood, meaning you don't have to trailer your horse just to go for a Saturday morning ride.

The "Sand Colic" Reality

Moving horses from the clay of the Piedmont to the sand of the Coast requires a management shift.

Myth: My horses will love grazing on the coastal grass.

Reality: Our soil is almost pure sand. If you feed hay directly on the ground, or if your pastures are over-grazed, your horses will ingest significant amounts of sand, leading to Sand Colic.

The Fix: Local pros know to use rubber mats for feeding and to budget for psyllium supplements. When viewing property, look for established Bermuda or Centipede pasture grass; establishing new pasture in our sandy loam takes years, not months.

The "Holly Shelter" Asset

The biggest perk of the Rocky Point/Hampstead corridor is access to the Holly Shelter Game Land. This massive preserve offers miles of sandy trails perfect for unshod horses.

Insider Warning: It is active game land. During deer season (October–December), riding is restricted on certain days (usually Mon/Wed/Sat), and wearing blaze orange is mandatory. Always check the NC Wildlife calendar before you trailer out.

Your Next Step

Buying a horse property is a dual transaction: you are buying a home for yourself and a facility for your animals. You need to know if the barn is rated for 130 mph winds and if the zoning allows for that second paddock.

Aspyre Realty Group specializes in listening to your specific equestrian needs—from dressage rings to run-in sheds—and communicating them into a property that works. We can connect you with local large-animal vets (like Carolina Coastal Equine) and hay suppliers before you even make an offer. Let's saddle up and find your paddock.