Can anyone recommend a good yard ?

burtondog

burtondog

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 December 2002
Messages
902
Location
SE London/Kent, UK and Devon
www.michellehudson.co.uk
I've been at the same yard in Bromley(Kent) for ages and all my friends are there but in the last couple of years the maintenance of the place has really gone downhill to the point where it's affecting health & safety.

On Friday my horse tripped over boards in the sand school - they were sticking out. We both crashed to the ground head first, the horse is fine but I broke my wrist and can't ride for at least 6 weeks. I knew the fencing wasn't that great and I'm not blaming the school entirely - some 'driver error' was involved on my part! However, I'm not the only person this has happened to. Last year a horse tripped over part of the membrane which had risen to the surface and they crashed head over heals in a similar fashion.

There's good things about my current yard, not least the great staff, but I think it's time to upgrade.

Anyway, here's my wish list for the perfect yard. I live in SE London and work in central London so south of London but not too far out would be ideal. All suggestions considered and appreciated. North Kent or Surrey probably best. Bonus points for anthing within the M25!

I NEED......
Full livery.
Nice light and airy stables.
Turnout at least a couple of hours a day, most days of year.
Large all weather arena.
24 hr supervision
Secure tack room.
Hacking nearby
Nice staff.
Space to park my small lorry.

(I'd quite like an indoor school - but not too many of those about!).

Plus, if you can't think of any yards in my area, then why not just tell me about the GREAT yards in your area - who knows where I may end up living in the future.

Thanks Burtondog
 
Come to Hampshire! Loads of great hacking on the downs and of course the beach!!!

Have you tried the Biggin Hill area? Epsom is nice, but maybe too west for you.

Good Luck x
 
Ok I have got my girl on a fab yard in the south east but probably too far from you for you to consider it. It has all your requirments apart from the indoor school! The YM lives on sight and we have a superb all weather school. Grazing is 24/7 most of the year if required. We are also about to start running a small series of dressage comps and if these go well may even epand to SJ too. Let me know if you are interested and i'll PM you some contact details.
 
Thanks Halfpass. Sounds good.

Yes, please PM me details. Am seriously considering everything.

Of course, with my arm in a caste for 6 weeks I can't drive anywhere at the moment but at least I've plenty of time for research while I'm laid up. Once the caste is off I'm going to check out every yard recommended.

Burtondog
 
try

www.ebbishamfarm.co.uk and www.tumberlivery.co.uk

good luck!! I am also in exactly the same area as you - looked at what I think is the yard you are describing, and it was tired but I was tempted!!! Except mum changed my mind pretty quickly.

Do you mind letting me know the results of your yard hunting? Very interested to find out where the little gems are hiding!
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Thanks Truffles, both these yards look great. If only I could find something like these a little closer in! They're both just over an hour's drive from my house whereas at the moment I have less than a 30mins drive. Would ideally like to keep the drive under an hour each way so I can see neddy regularly.

It's a real dilema.

Will let you know if I find anything. Keep in touch.
 
Yard in North Surrey/Berkshire border, close to exits from M25 and M3 (near Chertsey). Lovely place, great facilities, 3 schools (one indoor), great hacking, no roadwork and instructors (one a BHS fellow) based at yard. Local shows on site. Fits all your listed requirements! Livery is quite dear though not unusual for the area. Lovely staff, pm me if you want more info
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Can I ask what you'd expect to pay for said ideal yard in this area, in livery charges? I have been looking into local yard in similar area but it is staggeringly expensive...
 
MJC,

I currently pay £95 per week for stable, feed, hay, bedding, muckout, turnout & use of schools etc. Extras like lungeing cost £5 for 30mins. Plus I pay £5 per week to park my 3.5 tonne horsebox (it's £10 a week for bigger lorries)

I'd probably go up to £150 per week for the "perfect yard" but I'd want it to tick ALL the boxes.

A few people have PMd me leads with prices rangeing from £95-£185. Most are a little too far out but one seems worth checking out.

Have you come across anything suitable in my budget while you've been looking ?

Burtondog
 
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