Step into the world of luxury equestrian real estate with Engel & Völkers advisor and former horse trainer Bret Whitfield. Learn how passion, heritage, and the “Yellowstone Effect” are shaping buyer demand for equestrian estates — from custom arenas and high-end barns to lifestyle-driven layouts. Discover tips for success in one of the most specialized and emotionally driven niches in real estate.

Each spring, the first Saturday in May stops time in Kentucky. Hats are donned, mint juleps poured, and the world tunes in for “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” But for equestrian-minded buyers — and the real estate agents who serve them — the Kentucky Derby is more than a race. It’s a reminder of the lifestyle, heritage, and passion that drive demand for luxury equestrian estates across the country.

Few understand that connection better than Bret Whitfield, Shop Director - Engel & Völkers Dallas /Fort Worth and Global Real Estate Advisor.

From Saddles to Sales: A Life Shaped by Horses

“I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember,” Bret shares. Growing up in Northern Kentucky, he was surrounded by equine culture, even if no one in his family rode. “I started working in barns early, and from that moment I was hooked.”

That obsession grew into a decorated career. After college, Bret became a professional horse trainer and eventually claimed over 150 World, National, and Regional Championships. “Derby Day,” he recalls, “was like a national holiday. Everyone stopped what they were doing. We’d all stand for ‘My Old Kentucky Home.’ Those are some of my fondest memories.”

But a serious riding accident in 2018 unexpectedly rerouted his future. During a year-long recovery, a friend encouraged him to get a real estate license. “It made sense,” Bret says. “My dad’s a homebuilder and my mom managed rental properties, so I grew up around the business.” He completed his courses in three weeks — and never looked back.

Today, Bret brings his equestrian expertise to a thriving real estate career in North Texas.

Selling the Lifestyle, Not Just the Land

Bret specializes in equestrian and ranch properties, with a particular focus on serving clients who live and breathe the lifestyle. “All equine and ranch properties are specific,” he explains. “Production ranches can’t be marketed the same way as hobby ranchettes. It takes deep industry knowledge to position them properly.”

According to Bret, luxury equestrian buyers care far more about the facilities than the home itself. “Horse people have an undying dedication to their animals — they always come first,” he says. That means stunning barns, customized stables, and specialized arenas with the right footing for a buyer’s discipline.

And that’s where many real estate agents go wrong.

“There are so many equine sports. You have to know what your client is involved in to serve them well. All horse properties are not created equal.”

What Luxury Home Buyers Really Want

Beyond barns and acreage, today’s luxury equestrian buyers are looking for curated living — properties that blend function and beauty, and layouts that match their lifestyle.

“They want exquisite residences, yes, but also flow,” Bret notes. “How the home relates to the barn, the paddocks, the views — it all matters.”

Just as important? The emotional appeal.

“As equestrians, we’re stewards of the land. There’s a lot of nostalgia, heritage, and identity tied up in these purchases. That emotional connection is a huge part of the decision-making process.”

The “Yellowstone Effect” and the Rise of Ranch Aspirations

While many of Bret’s clients are seasoned riders or industry insiders, not all come from horse backgrounds.

“We call it the ‘Yellowstone effect,’” he says. “There’s a huge resurgence in the Western lifestyle. People want the dream, even if they didn’t grow up in it — and we’re here to help them live it.”

That dream, he notes, is still symbolized by horses. “The Derby has grandeur. Horses have always been tied to wealth, elegance, and status. They don’t call it the ‘Sport of Kings’ for nothing.”

 

Real Advice for Real Estate Agents Looking to Break Into the Niche

For real estate agents hoping to work in this space, Bret’s message is clear: respect the niche.

“You’ve got to find a mentor and really spend time learning the product,” he says. “It’s about your network. And it’s your job to grow that network every single day.”

For Bret, it’s also about authenticity. “Clients love that I live and breathe this lifestyle. It helps them trust that I have their interests — and their animals’ well-being — at heart.”

Derby Day in Texas

Although he now lives in North Texas, Bret’s Derby Day traditions live on. “We have a Derby party every year. It’s a must — even if we can’t actually attend.”

And while he may not be in Kentucky anymore, Bret remains a living example of how equestrian roots can translate into real estate results. From the paddocks to the property lines, he’s helping luxury home buyers realize their own Derby dreams.

Takeaway for Real Estate Agents

The demand for equestrian estates is about more than square footage or land value — it’s about emotion, tradition, and identity. For real estate professionals, the key to attracting luxury buyers isn’t just understanding the product. It’s understanding the passion behind it.

As Bret proves, the most compelling real estate agents aren’t just selling property — they’re selling a way of life.