eahotson
Well-Known Member
Does it make a difference? Is an approved yard a little more trustworthy than an unapproved one? By rule of thumb as I am sure there are excellent unapproved ones around.
BHS Approval for livery yards.
- Thread starter eahotson
- Start date
Wagtail
Horse servant
I own a livery yard. I am always full and people seem to stay here a long time. The BHS write to me every year asking me to pay £100 to get approved by them. I haven't bothered as I would just be paying £100 for what?
Toby_Zaphod
Well-Known Member
I agree with Wagtail.
I have seen yards that are approved by BHS & to be honest I wonder if anyone actually visited them to assess them? I think you need to go along & look for yourself, ask plenty of questions, not only from the owners but from liveries as well. Additionally have a contract with them as well so both you as the livery & the YO know what is expected from each other.
With BHS approval I think all you get is a sign to fix on the wall & little else.
I have seen yards that are approved by BHS & to be honest I wonder if anyone actually visited them to assess them? I think you need to go along & look for yourself, ask plenty of questions, not only from the owners but from liveries as well. Additionally have a contract with them as well so both you as the livery & the YO know what is expected from each other.
With BHS approval I think all you get is a sign to fix on the wall & little else.
Shysmum
Well-Known Member
From what I saw of a BHS Approved Trekking Centre , run by a serious alcoholic, I came to the conclusion that the BHS turned up by appointment, when everything was scrubbed to within an inch of it's life, the rest hidden away, and if you then signed up to pay the BHS lots of money, you got approval.
Of course, the day after, things went back to normal. Apart from that BHS sign that went up and gave everyone false confidence (especially the parents of young kids).
I was disgusted tbh. Don't think they ever had a visit (or spot check) after that first "by appointment" visit.
Of course, the day after, things went back to normal. Apart from that BHS sign that went up and gave everyone false confidence (especially the parents of young kids).
I was disgusted tbh. Don't think they ever had a visit (or spot check) after that first "by appointment" visit.
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ILuvCowparsely
Well-Known Member
No I inquired but some of the things we do would raise eyebrows so decided not too
p87
Well-Known Member
I've worked on a pretty big, well known BHS approved livery yard and riding school. The stories I could tell you from that place would turn your stomach. The owner gets away with neglect because of her well known name and high up associates with the BHS and SSPCA. One day I just didn't go back, I've seen some horrid things - and will soon be training as a paramedic so have a stomach of steel lol - but that place was just too much.
I've also worked at a BHS approved livery yard and riding school where the standard of tuition, both riding and stable management, is pretty shoddy to say the least. Their logic seemed to be that they didn't want you to learn anything in case you became 'better' than them!
And I worked on a non approved, much smaller riding school and livery yard. The horses were the happiest, healthiest I've ever seen. And not only was the owner a proper gem of the horse world -she really knew her stuff and wanted you to learn as much as possible - but I learned more from that place, both riding and stable management wise, in two months than I had from a previous, approved place in two years.
Just goes to show you!
I've also worked at a BHS approved livery yard and riding school where the standard of tuition, both riding and stable management, is pretty shoddy to say the least. Their logic seemed to be that they didn't want you to learn anything in case you became 'better' than them!
And I worked on a non approved, much smaller riding school and livery yard. The horses were the happiest, healthiest I've ever seen. And not only was the owner a proper gem of the horse world -she really knew her stuff and wanted you to learn as much as possible - but I learned more from that place, both riding and stable management wise, in two months than I had from a previous, approved place in two years.
Just goes to show you!
cremedemonthe
Well-Known Member
Agree with the others, I've visited lots of yards all round the South of England and some in Scotland too in my time, the best ones which were friendly, fun to be there, professional and reasonably priced were not BHS approved.
I find in general it's like this with some trade membership and societies too.
Many moons ago I had the Guild of Master Craftsmen approach me to see if I'd like their "Master Craftsman" status so I could put their logo on my premises wall/door.
I had a young woman come round to my house to see me about it, she went through all the sales selling procedures and then wanted £110 or whatever it was at the time to add me to their register.
I said to her "But you haven't even asked me to show any of my work" she looked uncomfortable and said yes, she'd look at it. I gave her a handstitched bridle, headcollar and girth to look at, the girth wasn't that well made and had been an early in my career practice one.
She glanced at them and said they were ok.
I told her that I could have given her any piece of work to look at,even stuff I haven't made and it was clear to me she hadn't got a clue as to what's good work or bad work. The next thing was she said she could get another saddler to inspect it if I preferred , I showed her the door as I knew it was nothing to do with my craftsmanship but the size of my wallet, one big con.
I find in general it's like this with some trade membership and societies too.
Many moons ago I had the Guild of Master Craftsmen approach me to see if I'd like their "Master Craftsman" status so I could put their logo on my premises wall/door.
I had a young woman come round to my house to see me about it, she went through all the sales selling procedures and then wanted £110 or whatever it was at the time to add me to their register.
I said to her "But you haven't even asked me to show any of my work" she looked uncomfortable and said yes, she'd look at it. I gave her a handstitched bridle, headcollar and girth to look at, the girth wasn't that well made and had been an early in my career practice one.
She glanced at them and said they were ok.
I told her that I could have given her any piece of work to look at,even stuff I haven't made and it was clear to me she hadn't got a clue as to what's good work or bad work. The next thing was she said she could get another saddler to inspect it if I preferred , I showed her the door as I knew it was nothing to do with my craftsmanship but the size of my wallet, one big con.
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Mrs B
Well-Known Member
Box-ticking exercise does not (necessarily) a good yard make.
cremedemonthe
Well-Known Member
lol, that's a good saying Mrs B
Exploding Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
I go with this, I know one yard which is approved and is excellent, all as advertised.
Another advertises excellent hacking, which is just not true, even to get out to the far side of the farm I had to use my own hedge clippers and the other route out to the hills has a gate all tied up with lots of string and a huge puddle.
The arena [free use] was not useable when I left, it had been laid badly with no drainage, then farmer decided to dig it up and throw in some drainage material, it was like a Time Team excavation site. I hinted a for a refund on charges, as I felt I was being asked to pay for things I was not getting. Half the yard left , he always has free stables, I must say the stables are lovely, but management variable, only thing I ever asked was for company for my boy when all the others moved out, and that was ignored. I came in one day to find a strange horse in my stable, been in overnight, had a great time, meanwhile my boy standing at the gate waiting for his tea!
As a newby to all this BHS stuff, I went to a yard with an approved sign up , assumed that this was for the livery, but no, they are not up to standard for livery [hen coops instead of stables], the sign appeared every January though there is only one inspector for Scotland!!!, it was for the riding school.............. the RS ponies kept outside............ so actually its ok not to have proper stabling on the West coast of Scotland!!! And some of the R.S horses were kept in the hen coops!
Another advertises excellent hacking, which is just not true, even to get out to the far side of the farm I had to use my own hedge clippers and the other route out to the hills has a gate all tied up with lots of string and a huge puddle.
The arena [free use] was not useable when I left, it had been laid badly with no drainage, then farmer decided to dig it up and throw in some drainage material, it was like a Time Team excavation site. I hinted a for a refund on charges, as I felt I was being asked to pay for things I was not getting. Half the yard left , he always has free stables, I must say the stables are lovely, but management variable, only thing I ever asked was for company for my boy when all the others moved out, and that was ignored. I came in one day to find a strange horse in my stable, been in overnight, had a great time, meanwhile my boy standing at the gate waiting for his tea!
As a newby to all this BHS stuff, I went to a yard with an approved sign up , assumed that this was for the livery, but no, they are not up to standard for livery [hen coops instead of stables], the sign appeared every January though there is only one inspector for Scotland!!!, it was for the riding school.............. the RS ponies kept outside............ so actually its ok not to have proper stabling on the West coast of Scotland!!! And some of the R.S horses were kept in the hen coops!
eahotson
Well-Known Member
This does disapoint me a bit.Over the years I have been to a few BHS riding schools.While I would have questioned the standard of tuition quite a lot I always thought the standard of horse care was good.!
kerrieberry2
Well-Known Member
I'd rather not be on an approved yard! would imagine it would be too picky for me!
brucea
Well-Known Member
Worst yard I was ever in was a BHS approved one.
The most abusive instructor who thrashed a pony until it was almost unable to walk was a senior BHS instructor
BHS means very little., and certainly not a recommendation. Sorry.
The most abusive instructor who thrashed a pony until it was almost unable to walk was a senior BHS instructor
BHS means very little., and certainly not a recommendation. Sorry.
Laafet
Well-Known Member
This ^^^ the yard I am currently is fab, they looked into BHS approval and decided against it. The yard is always full and well run, another yard I was at is BHS approved, they are always advertising, they even have a massive board outside proclaiming 'vacancies', it was a horrible badly run place that I did not stay long in. So while I respect the BHS, I have no faith in their Approved yard scheme.
Exploding Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
I dont want to resurrect stuff, but when I first went to the local yard [50 equids], I went in to great detail about isolation of new horses: simple stuff, stay in your stable for two weeks. keep away from others, and if OK, then turnout ........... but they did not do what they said and got the biggest strangles outbreak for years, apparently it was not their fault!
They did not inform the yard that horses were being tested for strangles, they must have known, and why the owners of said horses did not tell others is a mystery to me. The owner of the one who brought the disease denied it, but the staff knew the horse had come from a dealers yard which had infected animals.
What is the point of any sort of "approval" to a yard without basic precautions.
The only reason H&S was carried out was that the inspector refused to give them a licence. Loo was dreadful, and of course kiddies need to go every hour on the hour, wet toilet paper, or none, a dry roll was kept in the office!
They did not inform the yard that horses were being tested for strangles, they must have known, and why the owners of said horses did not tell others is a mystery to me. The owner of the one who brought the disease denied it, but the staff knew the horse had come from a dealers yard which had infected animals.
What is the point of any sort of "approval" to a yard without basic precautions.
The only reason H&S was carried out was that the inspector refused to give them a licence. Loo was dreadful, and of course kiddies need to go every hour on the hour, wet toilet paper, or none, a dry roll was kept in the office!
Daytona
Well-Known Member
The yard I'm at in aberdeen, Hogholm gets highly commended every year and totally deserves it, having been at few the standard of care and facilities are defo above other yards in the area.
Exploding Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
highly commended, is that from you or is there a grading system?
Daytona
Well-Known Member
That's from the BHS grading system, it's the highest mark they give
Montyforever
Well-Known Member
Dont take much notice of it to be honest, last yard i was on was 'BHS Approved' its no better (infact worse depending on which staff were on) than the privately owned yard im on now. Worming/worm counts were done without asking me, not that i wouldnt have done it but would have liked to have been present at least as if you faff about when worming my mare she fights you. Was told the next day that she had reared at them then got a blank look when i asked how much they had assumed she weighed (shes 12hh fine type, rest of the horses on ths yard were 16hh plus) and told they couldnt remember who wormed her 
fine if i was full livery but i was Diy! She was left out alone a few times despite me saying if im ever not there in time to get her in and charge me.
They also stopped supplying hay/didnt let us store any of our own. Did love the yard but BHS standard 24/7 365 days a year it was not, depended who was working there and if they could be bothered. Have to say, if anything was bought up to the owner it would be dealt with and i had no major issues but its the little niggly things that add up eventually
fine if i was full livery but i was Diy! She was left out alone a few times despite me saying if im ever not there in time to get her in and charge me. They also stopped supplying hay/didnt let us store any of our own. Did love the yard but BHS standard 24/7 365 days a year it was not, depended who was working there and if they could be bothered. Have to say, if anything was bought up to the owner it would be dealt with and i had no major issues but its the little niggly things that add up eventually
dj9ao
Well-Known Member
I kept my horse on a yard that wasn't BHS because I thought the yard suited the horse,
they put half a dozen pigs in the stable next door without any notice and my horse died from a twisted gut 4 hours after,
the vets said it was as a direct result of the pigs, they didn't even say sorry or call my vet, just stood in a group and watched him in agony
I had such a bad experience I now don't trust any yard or person with my horse
they put half a dozen pigs in the stable next door without any notice and my horse died from a twisted gut 4 hours after,
the vets said it was as a direct result of the pigs, they didn't even say sorry or call my vet, just stood in a group and watched him in agony
I had such a bad experience I now don't trust any yard or person with my horse
Kadastorm
Well-Known Member
i had a horse and worked at a great bhs livery/riding school. we took great pride in all our 'highly commended' comments and people were always saying how happy and healthy our horses were and how tidy and organised our yard was.
i then went to an unapproved yard run by 'professional showjumper'-horrendous place.
now on a lovely bhs diy yard and i doubt i will ever leave, happiest me and my horse have been!
i then went to an unapproved yard run by 'professional showjumper'-horrendous place.
now on a lovely bhs diy yard and i doubt i will ever leave, happiest me and my horse have been!
foraday
Well-Known Member
They do not visit! They do not assess!
One supposedly 'gold standard' was for from that!!!
No water in fields, ragwort everywhere and that was the start of it!
BHS could not be bothered to investigate despite several letters asking them to!
Stupid gold standard sign still hanging up even now. The BHS needs to really buck up their ideas sadly
Not worth the paper its written on!
I have seen far more superior yards in someones home!
One supposedly 'gold standard' was for from that!!!
No water in fields, ragwort everywhere and that was the start of it!
BHS could not be bothered to investigate despite several letters asking them to!
Stupid gold standard sign still hanging up even now. The BHS needs to really buck up their ideas sadly
Not worth the paper its written on!
I have seen far more superior yards in someones home!
BHS_official
Well-Known Member
Its interesting to hear of the different experiences people may have had at their livery yards.
For clarification, the BHS Approval scheme is voluntary. Approved Establishments are required to achieve and maintain continuously high standards of horse care, instruction and customer service.
Inspections are conducted every year and all are unannounced so the inspector can view the establishment as a normal working environment. No prior notice is given.
Being BHS Approved offers the Proprietor reassurance of knowing that theyre part one of the worlds largest networks of equestrian establishments and among other benefits, gives them access to expert advice and support.
The BHS Approvals team has a complaints procedure in place where members of the public and clients can, in total confidence, send written complaints. All complaints are dealt with confidentially and Inspectors only receive the content of the complaint for investigation.
If youd like more information about the scheme, or want to send us your comments and feedback directly, please do email the team at approvals@bhs.org.uk.
For clarification, the BHS Approval scheme is voluntary. Approved Establishments are required to achieve and maintain continuously high standards of horse care, instruction and customer service.
Inspections are conducted every year and all are unannounced so the inspector can view the establishment as a normal working environment. No prior notice is given.
Being BHS Approved offers the Proprietor reassurance of knowing that theyre part one of the worlds largest networks of equestrian establishments and among other benefits, gives them access to expert advice and support.
The BHS Approvals team has a complaints procedure in place where members of the public and clients can, in total confidence, send written complaints. All complaints are dealt with confidentially and Inspectors only receive the content of the complaint for investigation.
If youd like more information about the scheme, or want to send us your comments and feedback directly, please do email the team at approvals@bhs.org.uk.