Is the West’s way of life dying? Rabid housing market devouring scarce horse property

Source: Deseret News — 

Marie and Peter Gessel’s new home in Riverton is nestled smack in the middle of what, at first impression, appears to be a typical suburban neighborhood along Utah’s Wasatch Front.

Curb and gutters, street lamps and brick mailboxes line the street. Their neighbors’ homes sit fairly close together but are spaced just enough for decent-sized front yards. They’re bordered by white vinyl privacy fences.

Unassuming passersby likely wouldn’t be able to guess their home — and several of their neighbors — have an array of hoofed and feathered animals living behind those fences.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t think this is a horse property,” Marie Gessel told the Deseret News as she opened the gate to her backyard.

​