Am I really asking too much of my liveries?

No, you are not asking too much at all. Keeping someone else’s property in the state you find it is just general good manners. But in my experience you are on a hiding to nothing if livery YO / YM and livery are not on the same page and therefore don’t have the same standards of care. And the trouble is, there are lots of horse owners who don’t really know about horse care at all – they’ve had a few riding lessons and gone to Beeston Market and bought a horse for £5 and bingo, they are experts. Really they are not fit to care for a hamster.

But sadly there are also lots of YO/YM who don’t give a ***** about their liveries as long as they get your cash in their hands and forget that they are actually providing a service. It does work both ways. Although I’m not suggesting that is the case in this instance.

Kick ‘em off and make sure your next ad for livery clearly states your T&C’s. Be firm but fair. I’m sure you’ll find lots of lovely liveries who’d bite your arm off.

You don’t fancy moving to Cheshire do you ???? :)
 
Doormouse said:
You are right Spring Feather, I suppose I just assume because I use common sense that others will too and of course then I don't communicate properly and that causes rows.
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First rule of being a YO, don't assume anything about any liveries lol! Some are not as bright as you might hope for.

I don't like being threatened and so I really think that livery will have to go, they are always trying to get everything cheaper too which is a headache. With the other girl I just need to make the rules clearer.
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I've never been threatened by any of my liveries, and the first one who ever did would be given notice to leave my farm before they had time to apologize.

I'm not cut out to be a YM, going to have get my brave pants on and get it sorted!
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Not everyone is and you certainly aren't alone. My advice is this; when you next have a potential new livery turn up to view your yard, you tell them then and there what rules you have and what you expect from them. Be clear about how you run your yard. Don't be wishy washy, but no need to be nasty about it either. Tell them this is the way your yard runs and ask if they think this is the type of place they are looking for. In my experience, most people prefer a well run yard without confrontation, and where they know exactly what they have to do and are aware of any rules in place. The first time you do it, you'll likely be cringing at being so forthright, however the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Then once you're totally confident in throwing out your yard policy spiel you will find that the liveries you have are the sort you want.
 
The word ask is in a lot of your posts so if you are the wet bit of string type then get onto word and write a very clear list of the basic rules that you can laminate so that there is no confusion. you then put it on the feedroom and tackroom doors and stick to it. all you need is the basics you put above and also a bit about horses must be stabled at night from now onwards. that saves you having to say the words to the ones that are not cooperating and if you make it very simple they will have no questions and if they don't like it they can try and find somewhere else that is run the way they want
 
Spring Feather said:
First rule of being a YO, don't assume anything about any liveries lol! Some are not as bright as you might hope for.

That made me chuckle!

I've never been threatened by any of my liveries, and the first one who ever did would be given notice to leave my farm before they had time to apologize.


Not everyone is and you certainly aren't alone. My advice is this; when you next have a potential new livery turn up to view your yard, you tell them then and there what rules you have and what you expect from them. Be clear about how you run your yard. Don't be wishy washy, but no need to be nasty about it either. Tell them this is the way your yard runs and ask if they think this is the type of place they are looking for. In my experience, most people prefer a well run yard without confrontation, and where they know exactly what they have to do and are aware of any rules in place. The first time you do it, you'll likely be cringing at being so forthright, however the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Then once you're totally confident in throwing out your yard policy spiel you will find that the liveries you have are the sort you want.
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You are absolutely right, I really do need to be more determined when new people come and look round.
 
If you feel incomfortable about telling prospective liveries the rules write up a document detailing how you want the yard to run & head it "Information Sheet" rather than yard rules. You can hand out to anybody who comes to look round & everything is made clear but feels less confrontational.
 
hairycob said:
If you feel incomfortable about telling prospective liveries the rules write up a document detailing how you want the yard to run & head it "Information Sheet" rather than yard rules. You can hand out to anybody who comes to look round & everything is made clear but feels less confrontational.
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I don't think that's enough. And telling people what the rules are doesn't have to be confrontational - just informative.

The lovely Doormouse is going to have to suck it up a bit. But I reckon she's made of sterner stuff that she thinks, and will be able to do it admirably.
 
The lovely Doormouse is going to have to suck it up a bit. But I reckon she's made of sterner stuff that she thinks, and will be able to do it admirably.[/QUOTE]

Woe betide the livery (or livery mother) that crosses her.

Do you want me to bring the 2 year old bully child down to kick some shins and cause a fuss?
 
carolineb said:
The lovely Doormouse is going to have to suck it up a bit. But I reckon she's made of sterner stuff that she thinks, and will be able to do it admirably.
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Woe betide the livery (or livery mother) that crosses her.

Do you want me to bring the 2 year old bully child down to kick some shins and cause a fuss?[/QUOTE]

Yes please, she would do a much better job than me, I'm nearly as pathetic as my daughter.
 
Havent read all the replies but to make things easier here's a few suggestions-

Livery agreements signed off including expectations on liveries responsibilities.

White board with advance info on turn out, field setup changes, level muck heap

Diary for livery's to request additional services. Feed/ bring in etc.

Speak to liveries directly with any issues as soon as you can. Keep it factual, ask questions, point out 'rules' in the contract or on the white board, follow through on the rules. Black & white. Non- emotional. Do something once for someone and some will expect it all the time. If it's a welfare issue, say feeding, put it in the diary and charge for it.

Good luck and keep a thick skin!
 
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Seriously though, as you know, the small child is always up for a bit of carnage. Remember the bus carefully positioned at the bottom of the slide at the soft play centre?!! You can borrow her whenever you like.
 
There always seems to be at least one person on a yard who wants special treatment and to pay less for it.

I'm on a DIY yard, and I pay for two stables. Another livery pays for one stable, but randomly uses the spare stable for emergencies without paying. Ive often turned her horses out for her in the mornings, but she has never reciprocated. All this is fine, for an easy life. However, the spare emergency stable is next to my stable, so I texted her to ask if she would mind using it on Friday evening as I was going hunting. This was fine, I left at 6am and good heavens, I didn't muck out the spare stable before I left, intending to do it when I got back at 4pm. Cue a really rude text and a total meltdown by her resulting in massive argument when I got back, because she randomly turned up mid afternoon and wanted to use the stable. I should have got up earlier to muck it out before I left, she said. What time did she turn her horse out on Sunday morning? 11am!

I can't actually bear to be near people like that, and looked at a new yard today, because the YO lets the situation arise.
 
Serve them notice .
The best livery yards I have seen run as benign dictatorships .
You just need to forget asking and learn how to nicely tell people what to do or what is happening.
You will find new people .
 
amymay said:
Kick em off.
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This, quite frankly! Give them notice, they obviously aren't happy so why the hell are they staying? And while they are still there, keep on adding the extras, don't leave the pony in all day, turn the poor sod out and charge for it, same with feeding and any other thing you do that they should be doing....
 
amymay said:
To be honest, I've only ever been on yards that were ruled with a rod of iron. And would expect nothing less. Makes life easier for everyone because they know exactly what's expected of them.
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Again I agree with amymay.

I would be an 'Iron Ruler' that's for sure if I had a proper yard. Mind you, I had clear defined rules when I offered grass livery. What I said went, anyone didn't like it, there's the gate...

There would be a long list of rules for the yard, potential liveries would be given one, and I would make it very clear they are adhered to. If they don't like the sound if it, then fine, they don't come to my yard. There ARE people who as amymay says, prefer this, everyone knows where they stand.
 
I am Yard Manager on a brand new yard! I did lots of checks on potential liveries, by texting people I knew, looking them up on Facebook etc. I also knew a few of them from previous yards! Luckily we now have a yard filled with lovely people who turn up to look after their horses and keep to yard rules! There is nothing worse than people who are too demanding and not look after their horse properly! I would definitely tell them to leave! Luckily our yard owners are lovely and leave us to our own devices but are happy to step in to help if we have problems with anyone!
 
Got my own place now, but prior to that I was on DIY livery on a yard ruled by a dragon lady with a rod of iron. It was quite simple, we kept to her rules or we were out!

I was there three years and left on good terms to come here. Knew exactly where I stood, the yard was superb and the horses were happy.
 
Doormouse grow a backbone and let this lady go, with a boot up her what'sit, also write down the rulers in large letters on a board where everyone can see them. What you have to remember if the person who owns the property sees it being trash etc:- you all may find yourselves looking else where.
 
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