28319 N 138th Street, Scottsdale
(602) 483-4665
DeLex Realty
Scottsdale has a long equestrian history. It's home to WestWorld and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, more than 230 miles of multi-use trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and neighborhoods where horses are part of everyday life. If you want a horse property with Scottsdale's shopping, dining and freeway access close by, this is the place to start.
See Scottsdale horse properties below Call Terry: 602-483-4665
The City of Scottsdale doesn't regulate the number of horses kept on single-family and two-family residential properties, as long as they're for the homeowner's personal use. Raising animals commercially, such as running a boarding stable, is different and needs a conditional use permit in residential districts. Maricopa County health rules and HOA covenants can also limit animals, so an HOA can be stricter than the city.
Most horse properties are in Scottsdale's larger-lot districts: R1-190, R1-130, R1-70, R1-43 and R1-35. The numbers are minimum lot sizes in square feet, so R1-43 is about one acre and R1-190 is over four acres. The city's development standards for the R1-35 and R1-43 districts even include corral fence heights. I confirm the zoning and any HOA rules for a specific property before you write an offer.
Much of north and east Scottsdale falls under the city's Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) ordinance, which covers about 134 square miles of desert and mountain land. It requires part of each lot to stay as natural desert, from about 20% on flatter lower-desert lots up to 80% on steep hillsides. That affects where a corral, arena or barn can go, so we look at the site plan as well as the acreage.
The city's trails plan also points to neighborhoods with a long equestrian character, including the East Cactus and East Shea corridors, the Mescal Park area near 68th Street and Mescal, and the scenic Scottsdale Road and Pima Road corridors.
Some buyers looking for more land consider the Rio Verde Foothills, an unincorporated area of Maricopa County northeast of Scottsdale. Homes there that haul water lost access to Scottsdale's water in 2023. Since January 2026, EPCOR has run a permanent water filling station for the area. If you look there, we'll review how the property gets its water, along with the well and septic details.
Scottsdale and the Desert Ridge area are where I work most. I'll help you compare horse properties on zoning, layout, trail access and HOA rules. If you're selling, I market the features horse buyers look for: arena, stalls, turnout and trail access. Read how to price your Arizona home to sell, or see my North Scottsdale home values guide.
How many horses can I keep in Scottsdale?
For personal use on single-family lots, the city doesn't set a number limit. HOA covenants and county health rules can still apply, so check both for any property.
Can I ride from home in Scottsdale?
In some neighborhoods, yes. The city has about 160 miles of trails, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has more than 230 miles with several horse-trailer trailheads.
What is WestWorld?
A 386-acre equestrian and events facility run by the City of Scottsdale. It hosts the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and the Parada del Sol Rodeo.
Do north Scottsdale lots have building limits?
Many are in the Environmentally Sensitive Lands area, which requires part of the lot to stay as natural desert. That affects where barns and arenas can go.
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Zoning, trail and facility details come from the City of Scottsdale and other public sources, and they can change. Confirm the rules for any specific property before you buy.
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