Equestrian Areas · County guide
St. Johns County: horse country near the coast.
St. Johns County's horse country sits in the western farming communities of Hastings and Elkton, with the amenities and history of St. Augustine close by. The county operates the St. Johns County Equestrian Center on Smith Road in Hastings and maintains designated horseback riding trails. For the city itself, the coastal lifestyle, and how the two fit together, see the St. Augustine guide.
Why St. Johns County
A sense of place, close to the coast.
Our team is based here, on a horse farm in the historic farming community of Janie's ancestors. We know the character of these communities and what makes a property work here, from the land to the daily rhythm of farm life.
- Horse country centered on Hastings and Elkton, the county's historic farming communities
- The St. Johns County Equestrian Center at 8200 Smith Rd in Hastings, with 24 stalls and riding arenas
- Designated horseback riding trails across more than 120 acres maintained by the county
- Zoning and land use set by St. Johns County planning and zoning, confirmed with the county per property
The farming communities
Where the horse properties sit.
Hastings
The heart of the county's horse country: a historic farming town with vegetable fields, horse pastures, and working family farms, and home to the Equestrian Center.
Elkton
A neighboring farming community with horse properties and boarding farms along quiet country roads.
Western corridor
The broader rural area where most county horse properties sit, with drive times to St. Augustine and the coast varying by property.
Drive times to the Equestrian Center, the coast, and equine veterinary services depend on the specific property. We measure the actual drive from each farm rather than relying on county-wide statements.
Read about life in Hastings and Florida's historic farming communitiesLand use & taxes
Zoning and agricultural classification.
St. Johns County planning and zoning sets what a property permits as of right, and the county is the authority to confirm it. Agricultural classification under Florida Statute 193.461 can lower property taxes when land is in bona fide agricultural use, with the DR-482 application due by March 1 each year. These are parcel-specific determinations, so we verify them with the county for each property you care about.
Read the St. Johns buying guideExplore St. Johns County
Tell us what you are looking for and our team will be in touch.
