Approached about livery need advice

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Muffett123

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I have been approached by a really nice girl about DIY livery at my home. I have a spare stable and more land than I know what to do with and could really do with the company especially for someone to hack out with. I have recently moved to a new area and have a new horse, so things not as settled as they should be and my gelding could really benefit from some more company, as could I!

I was worried about taking payment from her, then it becoming a business interest then all the insurance implications from that. I'm tempted to offer livery for free and to just pay for Hay, shavings etc and for her to look after the place when we are away. She has run yards in the past so I don't question her capabilities.

I would really appreciate anybody's thoughts or opinions on this thread. Thanks
 
get insured no matter what the terms you end up offering - public liability at least needs to be checked

also the field fencing to ensure that if her horse escapes and causes an accident you cannot be held liable as in the mirvahedy (sp?) case

contract to state exactly who is responsible for what and what the rules are and the notice period on both sides
 
Couldn't find the stuff about sample contract, but I suppose if I joined the BHS the liability Insurance covers looking after other people's horses.

Thanks for that.
 
I realise you've just moved in to the area, but is there any way at all you could ask around maybe in the feed merchants to see if anyone knows this girl (or point you in the direction of someone who does) to ensure that she is as nice as she seems and not a bunny boiler in disguise? I think we all know there are some really strange people in the horsey world that we have had the misfortune to come across from time to time.
 
I rent privately from a landlord and it is great...he leaves me to just get on with what I need to and doesnt interfere....
I do however have a contract with him which is re-newed every 6 months...Ive been on the land for 5 yrs now and although he is very nice, If things went sour you want to make sure you have everything on your side....I would def have insurance too...and ask for a small amount of money even if it is not much....just to make it a buisness deal....
 
Make sure your planning permission for your stables allows you to have liveries, its a bit of a fine line but once you take payment if it doesnt allow commercial use in theory someone could shop you.

Most modern stables PP only allows private use, you have to go back (and struggle!) if you want to offer livery.

Of course a lot of peeps ignore this but do check the PP so that you know if you are turning a blind eye!
 
Hi,
I own a small private livery at my home, before I started my business I looked into everything so hope this helps! if you only have planning permission for private use on your stables i.e. only allowed for your own purpose then you are not allowed to let, rent or give for free in exchange for help to anyone other than your own use. If you take out public liability insurance this does not cover you to handle another livery's horse, you have to take out as well as public liability a cover called: care, custody & control, this covers you to turn out or bring the horse in etc, about £600 per year! Should you turn her horse out and it manages to get loose from you causing an accident on the road you are liable, however, if the insurance company finds out you do not have planning for commercial use on your stables they can deny cover to your policy! Its frightening stuff and is absolutely rediculous how our country has over taken The States for claims made against each other but you need to know where you stand. hope this is of some help to you.
 
That is very helpful. It does seem ridiculous, just makes you wonder how many people are doing it and don't realise.

This building, (American Barn) has been up about 20 years and has been in the past a, stud, carriage driving centre and riding school/livery yard, but not for the last 10 years.

Also so from what you're saying you couldn't even have a friend for no payment have their horse with you.

The World has gone mad!!!
 
I must have understood that wrongly, it says "All the horses you own, LOOK AFTER and ride regardless of age." I'm sure there will be a get out clause in that.
 
In case anyone is interested this is what I have discovered over the last few days.

Firstly I rang the BHS who sent some good advice and prompted me to ring the following and make enqs.

NFU say I am insured on my present horse insurance to ride other peoples horses, which includes leading and any injury caused by my horses to another. They would cover me for the livery person as long as it was NON-PROFIT. Any injury caused by my property i.e. Barn falling in on horse or horse escaping through broken fence etc comes under the HOME buildings insurance. They again said I'm covered for buildings insurance as long as it's non- profit and are checking the finer points of this for me.

Have spoken to the plannings dept re my barn. They stated as I only have 3 boxes and I own 2 horses and that someone stabling with me for non-profit is not running a business I would not be deemed worthy of a livery yard inspection and subject to business rates. They did say that they could not 100% rule out that I might not get a visit in the future.
 
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