In the world of residential developments, horses just may be the new golf, as an increasing number of developers are rolling out fractional real estate communities to cater to this well-heeled equestrian audience.

And the numbers tell the story. According to the American Horse Council Federation, nearly two million people own the 9.2 million horses in the U.S., and horseback riding is among the five fastest-growing sports in the country. In total, from racing to riding to showing, horses are a $112 billion industry. “You can’t imagine how much money is spent on horses, whether it be polo, trail riding in the West, or hunting/jumping and dressage,” said Jim Rossi, founder and CEO of Saratoga Polo Retreat, a private residence club in the famed equestrian-centered town of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. “Even the trainers and groomers drive Lamborghinis.”

The destination club industry is already targeting activities to this audience. Exclusive Resorts, Ultimate Resort, and Quintess, LRW among others have added horseback riding components to their leisure activities. Everlands, a new ultra–luxury destination club, purchased the historic Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Mont., where pack riding, wrangling and other equine experiences playing a key role, and a selection of 70 horses is available to members.

On the fractional real estate front, there are a handful of new options. Meriwether Ranch, located on Montana’s Big Hole River in the southwest part of the state caters to the equestrian enthusiast. It is selling shares in 4,000 square foot riverfront residences for $328,000, and that secures 28 nights of annual use. There are also 2,000 square foot homes clustered around the Casting Pond being offered in 21-night blocks for $148,000. Both include unlimited additional time on a space-available basis. Owners have access to the Crane Meadow Equestrian Center with a 16,000 square foot indoor riding arena, 22-stall barn with full boarding and grooming and fully equipped tack rooms. Meriwether allows members to bring their own horses or ride those owned by the ranch.

There is also shared ownership real estate at the Hideout at Flitner Ranch, a world-class horse ranch that produces high-quality Quarter horses in north central Wyoming, near the town of Greybull. The ranch offers daily lessons in horsemanship as well as long and short pack rides and other equine activities. Each of the development’s 3,500 square foot three-bedroom residences is being sold in one-eighth shares for $175,000, which includes four weeks use each year and additional space-available reservations. The club currently has two residences completed, with plans for nine more.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. is home to one of the oldest polo clubs in the nation and is a major draw on the professional polo circuit. Near the club’s Whitney Field, Saratoga is building the first polo-themed private residence club. It will have an assortment of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. The homes will be built and designed in the classic Victorian Adirondack Lodge style, using natural stone, wood and tile. One-eighth shares start at $175,000.

There are also new developments for buyers looking at whole ownership. Poplar Grove, a gated community 12 minutes from downtown Charleston, S.C., is marketing home sites to the eco-sensitive equestrian. Each of the 20- to 200-acre spreads will include their own barn or paddock. The development, set on 6,000 acres that was once a rice plantation, also has plans for the first green barn and equestrian center, with generous stalls and pasture acreage, turn out paddocks, round rings and a covered arena. There are also some 50 miles of equestrian trails and an on-site resident equestrian director to offer riding lessons and clinics, daily. And part-time residents don’t need to worry about leaving their horses at the development. In the proper luxury real estate spirit, even horses have access to a private concierge service for both exercise and vet care.