Buying a livery yard

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Lynz25

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My dream has always been to have my horses on my own land. An opportunity has come up close to us to buy some land which is currently being used as a livery yard. I approached my husband and almost fainted when he said we will look into it!!!

Can anyone who has bought a livery yard give me any useful advice as to what I need to consider / look at when visiting it. Also is it done through a morgage or a business loan - we are just starting to explore this idea so any help will be fantastic.

Also if we wanted to put a menage in can anyone recommend any good surfaces / companies - I can not have a deep surface as my horse has previously had a bilateral suspensory ligament operation. Also do we need planning permission.
 
I would put a business plan together and go and speak to your bank. Don't forget to think about insurance and business Tax, Rates etc. Also look at it the safety aspect of it (what would happen if their was afire etc etc) When people look for livery they want to know their horse is safe and secure etc. Maybe try to offer something a little different from other yards..and dos ome research into what other yards charge, Some Yards insist that you buy their hay and feed etc and charge to use schools....look into how many other yards are in your area and go and see what your potential competition are up to??? Good Luck...
 
You will need planning permission for a manege. The waxed surfaces don't ride deep, they're great but not cheap obv. They'll need less levelling than other surfaces though, worth factoring in.
The better facilities and services you can offer the better, v best of luck.
 
im in the same situation, the oportunity has come up and we are at the solicitor stage now(yippee!) im not running a livery just my own horses, will have to get in touch with council re planning for hard standing to erect stables, but mobile shelters dont need it. always best to talk to council and get them on side, that way when you need them they will be more helpful?!!
 
We bought 16 acres of land (with 2 stables) for us to use on a domestic mortgage. We have no intention of becoming a livery yard (I have 8 of my own and 3 more due!)

To date we have built 5 new stables with planning for 3 more, a large barn, a 30mx60m sand/rubber topped manege, we have replaced a lot of post and rail and also have planning permission for a new field shelter.

You do need planning for a manege and also for any stables/hard standing. Depending on the area (ie is it Green Belt etc) you sometimes need planning for field shelters too. Best thing to do is contact your local planning office and talk through your plans with them. They are usually very helpful!

Planning for us was not easy and we ended up employing an agent to see the planning through - not cheap but we are convinced it would have been turned down without him!

Good Luck!!
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Does anyone have any experience of changing a livery yard to domestic use???

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That shouldn't be too much of a problem as you are reducing the volume of traffic, etc., UNLESS the property has an equestrian business restriction. You might also annoy your council with this request as you would end up paying a lot less rates, so they might delay it all but I don't think they can refuse.
 
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[ QUOTE ]
Does anyone have any experience of changing a livery yard to domestic use???

[/ QUOTE ]

That shouldn't be too much of a problem as you are reducing the volume of traffic, etc., UNLESS the property has an equestrian business restriction. You might also annoy your council with this request as you would end up paying a lot less rates, so they might delay it all but I don't think they can refuse.

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Um its very difficult to get the rates changes to domestic unless the land is specifically for the enjoyment of the dwelling house - so the house has to be in the same curtledge...again if you search on your councils website re rates for equestrian properties there is loads of info there!
 
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