Decisions, decisions .... Help please

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Langley11

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There is a yard for sale (east Sussex) - 8 stables, 6 acres, space to build a school, post and rail fencing - 15 mins from home. Road riding, 15 minute ride via bridleway to Ashdown Forest, 200 acre wood straight from land. I'm not the most experienced - owned my own horse for 3 years on DIY. Could manage it financially if had couple of liveries. What do you think? Is it ok that no-one living on site? What do you think I could charge for DIY? Shall I do it?
 
Don't want to sound negative, but owning and managing a yard with paying liveries is clearly a legal and organisational minefield so you would need to do a lot of thinking about this, especially with regard to time available and experience. In addition, check planning permissions in reference to the 'space for a school', and the establishment of a business etc.
 
It's not just a case of getting in liveries to help pay for it, think of all the different types of insurance you'll need, for example.
 
Ask the right questions, get your answers, but dont be put off by negativity, you will never know if it will work for you unless you try, it will be hard work but not undoable, enjoy.
 
I run my own business and work long hours but my Dad is happy to take on all maintenance issues. I know what you mean though - I know a lot of people underestimate the amount of work involved and that is my main worry. It is actually one of the reasons I don't love where I am now as nothing is being maintained and the fencing is not adequate. Time is always an issue.
 
I'm an accountant with livery yard clients so I am aware of the costs involved. I could manage it financially without any liveries but would prefer not to. I promise I wouldn't be going into this blind. I'm happy I have the business knowledge but would worry that I wouldn't have sufficient horse knowledge for others to rely on me.
 
your first port of call should be the planners, just check if the planning for the stables is for personal use only. Just make sure you can take in liveries.

If you can, and you can afford it, and have your dads backing, then in the words of my boss JFDI !

Owning your own place is fantastic

Good luck:D
 
Sounds fab! You sound sensible and like you can afford it. Go for it, 6 acres is more than manageable. Make sure you dont overpay for it and you''ll b fine. Enjoy!!
 
putasocinit said:
Ask the right questions, get your answers, but dont be put off by negativity, you will never know if it will work for you unless you try, it will be hard work but not undoable, enjoy.
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Thanks Putasocinit (great name by the way)! I really want to do this. Even if I do it for myself and have a friend sharing with me. There is already approved planning for the school and a school next door to hire in the meantime. Like you say, I won't know if I don't try
 
Asha said:
your first port of call should be the planners, just check if the planning for the stables is for personal use only. Just make sure you can take in liveries.

If you can, and you can afford it, and have your dads backing, then in the words of my boss JFDI !

Owning your own place is fantastic

Good luck:D
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This! If you're doing DIY (a pain IMO but there you go) people should not be relying on you for your horse knowledge. You may regret it if you don't give it a go.
 
My first though was a YO needs more than 3 yrs experience but having read further I think that your business sense and your dad's maintenance skills should more than make up for your lack of horse experience, especially if you find a very experienced livery to turn to if necessary.
 
I have very knowledgeable friends and wouldn't do it without at least one of them coming with me (for back-up)

Happy to take overall responsibility but would definitely need a 'go to' person for the gaps in my knowledge. I'm the type of person to freely admit if I don't know something - not the type to bluff my way through things (I've seen a lot of that - horses and in business - and it doesn't pay) :D
 
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