Any friendly advice for a first time yard manager?

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ChestnutConvert

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After some years on and off of working on yards and being very happy at the one i work at now, i will soon be made yard manager.
The yard is a small one, all liveries, i will be the only one working (so nice and small!) with plenty horses to keep me busy and the owner will cover my days off.
I was just wondering if anybody has any tips, advice, pearls of wisdom etc before i enter into this although i am looking forward to it as at last i get a job that i honestly enjoy!
 
Good for you! I don't really have any advice for you except for enjoy it. The going will get tough at times I'm sure (all jobs do!), but try to keep perspective and remember how you feel now. Enjoy!
 
From the perspective of someone who keeps their horse on livery, I go down there to enjoy myself and potter around a bit and chat to people when I am not riding.
For me it is important to have a friendly yard with approcahable staff, who are not rushing around everywhere, but have time to have a chat ask about your horse offer encouragement advice et... I walk on to the yard where I keep mine, and they know if I have come straight from work (clothing ususally gives it away), but ask about my day - they have taken the time to know what I do for a living previously, and just generally be happy to take the time to speak to me. Nothing is every too much trouble for them either, so I dont feel as if I am asking for a favour when I am actually paying for a service!

best of luck in your new role, i am sure you will be great xx
 
OK, so I'll try, having been both poacher and gamekeeper in various seasons:

First: no-one, but no-one, comes on the yard without having paid a deposit AND signed a contract (whichever you decide to use).

Never if you can possibly avoid it have anyone you consider a personal friend on the yard. Combining business with pleasure is asking for trouble; you might have to make an unpopular decision and the last thing you want is your judgement influenced by any personal affiliations.

If there's someone on the yard causing trouble and upsetting other liveries, kick them out PDQ.

Ditto horses: if you've got something that is uncontrollable and biting and kicking everyone and/or knocking fences down, get rid. You're not running a rescue home.

Have your finances thoroughly sorted: if they're paying by cash keep a receipt book - and make sure you declare everything to the tax people; there's always someone to sneak on you if you don't and they'll extract your last penny if they think they've been cheated and won't ever leave you in peace in future. Best thing is to employ an accountant and let them submit your accounts every year.

Have a yard policy on smoking, bad/yobbish behaviour on the premises, owners who don't "do" their horses, fire & evacuation procedures (important); children/dogs, poo-picking, menage use etc, security of yard, non-payment of livery bills, antisocial behaviour by other liveries etc, and what happens if a horse is injured/needs to be euthanised and you can't contact the owner. It should be in their livery contract that they sign that in the event of an accident they sign that they authorise the vet to euthanise if necessary.

Don't expect to be always popular: you may have to kick people off the yard and so you'll need to be impartial and able to stand the flack.

Don't put up with liveries who are basically just taking the p!ss; its just not worth the hassle and they'll upset everyone else on the yard. Unfortunately there are some people who go from yard to yard expecting everyone else to take responsibility for their ill-mannered horses and do all their jobs for them, and then leave owing livery fees.

You might also consider (don't know if this applies) improving on your equine qualifications. Not easy when you're working all day with horses though I know.

Go for it! Trust your own judgement; enjoy. But don't expect to get rich quick coz you won't unfortunately. But if you get it right, and get nice liveries and nice horses, you'll get a helluva lot of satisfaction at the end of it all and meet some great people and fab horses and have a lot of fun. Good luck.
 
Agree.. make up a contract between you and livery, be very approachable, smile even when you want to scream, some liveries want what the other livery has, yard times, winter programme ( if weather is as bad as last ) and no one can reach your yard. Horses must have insurance ( public liability ) at least.
Infection programme i.e - strangles, the odd BBQ fun reward for help getting rid of any ragwort.
Easter egg hunt,
Halloween contest,

Wish you lots of good times on your yard.
 
Impartiality. From past experience it is very irritating when the yard manager is pally with certain people and their horse get prefential treatment.......

Communication. I turned up at a new yard on a Saturday to find my 2yo was left in the stable with the other horses all out because no one told me the yard only turned out Mon to Friday.

Decent standards. Horse to be fed and turned out at the same time etc.

Good luck.
 
Agree with all of the below. You'll never please everyone so dont try. Have your ground rules and stick to them, be in charge - on yards Ive been on, where the YO was never around to enforce the rules, another 10 of the liveries did and the arguments were horrific - I left! You need to make money! So no sob stories on how they cant afford the hay - tough!
You will always get -
the poorly livery
the bossy livery
the needy livery
the know it all livery
the couldnt give a damn livery
and hopefully a few normal people who dont cause too much hassle:D

Good luck and have fun!



MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
OK, so I'll try, having been both poacher and gamekeeper in various seasons:

First: no-one, but no-one, comes on the yard without having paid a deposit AND signed a contract (whichever you decide to use).

Never if you can possibly avoid it have anyone you consider a personal friend on the yard. Combining business with pleasure is asking for trouble; you might have to make an unpopular decision and the last thing you want is your judgement influenced by any personal affiliations.

If there's someone on the yard causing trouble and upsetting other liveries, kick them out PDQ.

Ditto horses: if you've got something that is uncontrollable and biting and kicking everyone and/or knocking fences down, get rid. You're not running a rescue home.

Have your finances thoroughly sorted: if they're paying by cash keep a receipt book - and make sure you declare everything to the tax people; there's always someone to sneak on you if you don't and they'll extract your last penny if they think they've been cheated and won't ever leave you in peace in future. Best thing is to employ an accountant and let them submit your accounts every year.

Have a yard policy on smoking, bad/yobbish behaviour on the premises, owners who don't "do" their horses, fire & evacuation procedures (important); children/dogs, poo-picking, menage use etc, security of yard, non-payment of livery bills, antisocial behaviour by other liveries etc, and what happens if a horse is injured/needs to be euthanised and you can't contact the owner. It should be in their livery contract that they sign that in the event of an accident they sign that they authorise the vet to euthanise if necessary.

Don't expect to be always popular: you may have to kick people off the yard and so you'll need to be impartial and able to stand the flack.

Don't put up with liveries who are basically just taking the p!ss; its just not worth the hassle and they'll upset everyone else on the yard. Unfortunately there are some people who go from yard to yard expecting everyone else to take responsibility for their ill-mannered horses and do all their jobs for them, and then leave owing livery fees.

You might also consider (don't know if this applies) improving on your equine qualifications. Not easy when you're working all day with horses though I know.

Go for it! Trust your own judgement; enjoy. But don't expect to get rich quick coz you won't unfortunately. But if you get it right, and get nice liveries and nice horses, you'll get a helluva lot of satisfaction at the end of it all and meet some great people and fab horses and have a lot of fun. Good luck.
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I would suggest that, whatever you do, make sure it is in the best interests of the horses. And make it clear that this is why you are taking the decisions you are.
I have so often come across yard staff who make decisions based on what is easier for them, not what is in the horses' best interests, and it creates a very fractious environment with owners and often leads to more trouble with the horses in the end anyway.
 
[.
For me it is important to have a friendly yard with approcahable staff, who are not rushing around everywhere, but have time to have a chat ask about your horse offer encouragement advice et... I walk on to the yard where I keep mine, and they know if I have come straight from work (clothing ususally gives it away), but ask about my day - they have taken the time to know what I do for a living previously, and just generally be happy to take the time to speak to me. Nothing is every too much trouble for them either, so I dont feel as if I am asking for a favour when I am actually paying for a service!

I agree with the above nothing worse than a manager that makesyou feel your in the way!
Best of luck but judging by the fact you have asked this question in the first place i think you will be fine x
 
[.
For me it is important to have a friendly yard with approcahable staff, who are not rushing around everywhere, but have time to have a chat ask about your horse offer encouragement advice et... I walk on to the yard where I keep mine, and they know if I have come straight from work (clothing ususally gives it away), but ask about my day - they have taken the time to know what I do for a living previously, and just generally be happy to take the time to speak to me. Nothing is every too much trouble for them either, so I dont feel as if I am asking for a favour when I am actually paying for a service!]

I agree with the above nothing worse than a manager that makesyou feel your in the way!
Best of luck but judging by the fact you have asked this question in the first place i think you will be fine x
Click to expand...
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
OK, so I'll try, having been both poacher and gamekeeper in various seasons:

First: no-one, but no-one, comes on the yard without having paid a deposit AND signed a contract (whichever you decide to use).

Never if you can possibly avoid it have anyone you consider a personal friend on the yard. Combining business with pleasure is asking for trouble; you might have to make an unpopular decision and the last thing you want is your judgement influenced by any personal affiliations.

If there's someone on the yard causing trouble and upsetting other liveries, kick them out PDQ.

Ditto horses: if you've got something that is uncontrollable and biting and kicking everyone and/or knocking fences down, get rid. You're not running a rescue home.

Have your finances thoroughly sorted: if they're paying by cash keep a receipt book - and make sure you declare everything to the tax people; there's always someone to sneak on you if you don't and they'll extract your last penny if they think they've been cheated and won't ever leave you in peace in future. Best thing is to employ an accountant and let them submit your accounts every year.

Have a yard policy on smoking, bad/yobbish behaviour on the premises, owners who don't "do" their horses, fire & evacuation procedures (important); children/dogs, poo-picking, menage use etc, security of yard, non-payment of livery bills, antisocial behaviour by other liveries etc, and what happens if a horse is injured/needs to be euthanised and you can't contact the owner. It should be in their livery contract that they sign that in the event of an accident they sign that they authorise the vet to euthanise if necessary.

Don't expect to be always popular: you may have to kick people off the yard and so you'll need to be impartial and able to stand the flack.

Don't put up with liveries who are basically just taking the p!ss; its just not worth the hassle and they'll upset everyone else on the yard. Unfortunately there are some people who go from yard to yard expecting everyone else to take responsibility for their ill-mannered horses and do all their jobs for them, and then leave owing livery fees.

You might also consider (don't know if this applies) improving on your equine qualifications. Not easy when you're working all day with horses though I know.

Go for it! Trust your own judgement; enjoy. But don't expect to get rich quick coz you won't unfortunately. But if you get it right, and get nice liveries and nice horses, you'll get a helluva lot of satisfaction at the end of it all and meet some great people and fab horses and have a lot of fun. Good luck.
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echo this ^^ i was a yard manager and you soon learn to just get on with your job, be friendly but dont let liverys become friends as it ALWAYS ends badly as at some point you will have to make a dessision they dont agree with
 
PS forgot to say always keep a complete change of clothes (including underwear!) in the tack-room coz you'll undoubtedly need it! Also an overall you can bung on top for things like clipping/mucky jobs etc but you can whip off quickly if you need to for e.g. show a prospective owner around or whatever.

Plus a kettle & some tea/coffee etc, plus plenty of biccies!

Another idea (depends on yard/how your fixed) - a pussy cat. Will (hopefully) deal with the vermin for you and will make the place feel a bit more cosy?
 
Re contract - think what would happen if an owner didn't turn up and look after their horse properly - something that has been discussed on the H&H DG, also those who don't pay.
When drawing up a contract always think of the worst thing that can happen, cover it and hope that it never does.
 
Heyaa, not much advice really other than always be firm and fair :) Out of interest though, what yard/whereabouts in Hertfordshire is it? Looking to move yards so having a little ask around. Best of luck xx
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
OK, so I'll try, having been both poacher and gamekeeper in various seasons:

First: no-one, but no-one, comes on the yard without having paid a deposit AND signed a contract (whichever you decide to use).

Never if you can possibly avoid it have anyone you consider a personal friend on the yard. Combining business with pleasure is asking for trouble; you might have to make an unpopular decision and the last thing you want is your judgement influenced by any personal affiliations.

If there's someone on the yard causing trouble and upsetting other liveries, kick them out PDQ.

Ditto horses: if you've got something that is uncontrollable and biting and kicking everyone and/or knocking fences down, get rid. You're not running a rescue home.

Have your finances thoroughly sorted: if they're paying by cash keep a receipt book - and make sure you declare everything to the tax people; there's always someone to sneak on you if you don't and they'll extract your last penny if they think they've been cheated and won't ever leave you in peace in future. Best thing is to employ an accountant and let them submit your accounts every year.

Have a yard policy on smoking, bad/yobbish behaviour on the premises, owners who don't "do" their horses, fire & evacuation procedures (important); children/dogs, poo-picking, menage use etc, security of yard, non-payment of livery bills, antisocial behaviour by other liveries etc, and what happens if a horse is injured/needs to be euthanised and you can't contact the owner. It should be in their livery contract that they sign that in the event of an accident they sign that they authorise the vet to euthanise if necessary.

Don't expect to be always popular: you may have to kick people off the yard and so you'll need to be impartial and able to stand the flack.

Don't put up with liveries who are basically just taking the p!ss; its just not worth the hassle and they'll upset everyone else on the yard. Unfortunately there are some people who go from yard to yard expecting everyone else to take responsibility for their ill-mannered horses and do all their jobs for them, and then leave owing livery fees.

You might also consider (don't know if this applies) improving on your equine qualifications. Not easy when you're working all day with horses though I know.

Go for it! Trust your own judgement; enjoy. But don't expect to get rich quick coz you won't unfortunately. But if you get it right, and get nice liveries and nice horses, you'll get a helluva lot of satisfaction at the end of it all and meet some great people and fab horses and have a lot of fun. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Oh dear, I won't be paying your wages...... you 've got a big chip on both shoulders!
 
MrsD123 said:
Oh dear, I won't be paying your wages...... you 've got a big chip on both shoulders!
Click to expand...

I disagree....

In this day and age, this has to be the norm, if you give an inch....someone will take a mile....

I'd prefer to know where I stand from the start, rather than be somewhere without rules and regulations, as someone would no doubt piss me off, and I'd rather have a yard manager with a spine than some old dear who won't say boo to a goose, and know-it-all livery gets away with murder....
 
I think I possibly have the worse YO's so I can tell you why everyone leaves our yard! (I am looking to move)

Be approachable but dont stick your nose in. People will come to you if they want advice. Treat every horse as an individual.

Listen to your liveries. Several owners on our yard have said they dont want their horses to have any more grass yet the owner still moves the fencing so that they can get to knee high grass.

Be fair but dont penny pinch. I understand it is a business but dont start complaining that the liveries are using too much water/electric/the kettle too much. Our YO does this and gives us the sob story. No ones uses excessive amounts but the YO still follows us round in winter and turns our lights out, sometimes when I have been in the stable! (sorry that turned into a rant.)

Have the same rules for everyone and dont let people take advantage.

Good luck. x
 
I have just taken the role as yard manager on a 62 horse yard (liveries mainly), and MiJodsR2BlinkinTite is absolutely right. Follow her advice to the letter - it'll stand you in good stead!
It's hard work, but very enjoyable and rewarding!
Have fun, and remember to relax away from the yard on your no doubt infrequent days off!
 
Flicker said:
I would suggest that, whatever you do, make sure it is in the best interests of the horses. And make it clear that this is why you are taking the decisions you are.
I have so often come across yard staff who make decisions based on what is easier for them, not what is in the horses' best interests, and it creates a very fractious environment with owners and often leads to more trouble with the horses in the end anyway.
Click to expand...

This. I am a livery customer and have experienced both. My present yard is run by a fantastic YO who will always tell it like it is and put the horses first. Our previous one was staffed by people who did not give a ***** about my lad or his welfare, we moved quickly.

Good luck with your new job.
FDC
 
sorry not read all replies but please listen to youre liveries just listen and make them fell important - relaxed yard well managed with rules but managed that they dont feel there are rules there for smoking H&S etc and get everyone together to poo pick for example with a beer/soft drinks after once in while. a yard should be a fun great place to see horse socialise have a great chat and time not a place you dread going to :( but good luck and hey really hope goes well :) xxxxx
 
Listen to your liveries and be approachable so that if they have an issue they feel they can come to you first rather than complaining on forums/to other liveries first.

Understand people might not always do things the way you would, regarding turnout or feeding and exercise and try not to get too irritated unless the horses' welfare is really seriously being effected. Try and understand how they might feel sometimes.

If something is broken/worn out fix it quickly. Make sure everyone is aware of any yard rules and that they are enforced fairly.

Make sure people pay you promptly encourage people to pay their livery by standing order in advance if possible, this should not be a problem for most people as they all have bank accounts. If they refuse to pay by standing order they might have a cash flow problem which could mean that you have to spend time chasing payment.

Try and make your liveries feel welcome and remember if you are running a business that customer service is important.
 
Thanks for the advice here, some great stuff to bear in mind and i'll make note of all of it!
Some of it is just common sense but as long as i am fair and have the horses interests at heart i'm sure we will all get along fine.....most of the time!
 
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