Fruddy
Well-Known Member
<font color="blue"> </font> I was wondering what people's opinions were on the subject of keeping a horse on full livery as opposed to DIY?
DIY -v- Full Livery
- Thread starter Fruddy
- Start date
clipclop
Well-Known Member
It really depends on the individuals situation and what they want to do.
For me personally, I would always be a DIYer.
For me personally, I would always be a DIYer.
TiaPony
Well-Known Member
im on part livery. solves that debate!
x
x
gally
Well-Known Member
i have my pony on DIY as i like to look after him myself, even if it takes up alot of my time i know he is being kept the way i want and that things are being done the way i like. He has had big trust issues in the past (was treated very badly by a gypsy, putting it nicely) so i think that looking after him myself will build a real bond with him and it seems to be working too!!
That just my opinion, its just what works for people and what they feel is best for their horse
That just my opinion, its just what works for people and what they feel is best for their horse
WelshRareBit
Well-Known Member
All that matters to me is the level of care given to the horse.
I think thats the bottom line. Dont care if its you, your gran or a yard person.
So long as the horse is happy, healthy and being looked after - who cares?!
I think thats the bottom line. Dont care if its you, your gran or a yard person.
So long as the horse is happy, healthy and being looked after - who cares?!
Tierra
Well-Known Member
Im on full for a few reasons.
Primary one being that Im based with my trainer and they only offer full
I could quite easily do DIY from a time point of view but Im happy where I am.
Ive done both.... did DIY for many, many years with upto 7 horses. Now I have just the one and Im a very happy full livery client but it depends on what you want.
I dont want anything that "crops up" in my life to effect my horse. If I'm running late, I know he's taken care of. The person who manages the yard lives on site meaning that a very close eye is kept on the horses. The odd time something on the yard has been unwell, she's been out checking on them every hour through the night. That amount of peace of mind is something I treasure a great deal
Im out in the peaks and live in a very remote spot. There are times when the weather makes it impossible to get anywhere (or it would be stupidly dangerous to try).
Furthermore, all my time at the stables is spent riding or playing with my boy. I don't have to muck out or do any of the day to day chores which leaves my time left purely to be with him. I don't believe mucking out creates some deeper bond with the horse either and where I am, we have complete control over diet, turnout and so on anyway (we tell them what we want, they get it)
Yes, its more expensive (although tbh, given what Ive seen some people pay for their DIY, i dont think i get a bad deal at all), but for me, 100% worth it.
Primary one being that Im based with my trainer and they only offer full
Ive done both.... did DIY for many, many years with upto 7 horses. Now I have just the one and Im a very happy full livery client but it depends on what you want.
I dont want anything that "crops up" in my life to effect my horse. If I'm running late, I know he's taken care of. The person who manages the yard lives on site meaning that a very close eye is kept on the horses. The odd time something on the yard has been unwell, she's been out checking on them every hour through the night. That amount of peace of mind is something I treasure a great deal
Im out in the peaks and live in a very remote spot. There are times when the weather makes it impossible to get anywhere (or it would be stupidly dangerous to try).
Furthermore, all my time at the stables is spent riding or playing with my boy. I don't have to muck out or do any of the day to day chores which leaves my time left purely to be with him. I don't believe mucking out creates some deeper bond with the horse either and where I am, we have complete control over diet, turnout and so on anyway (we tell them what we want, they get it)
Yes, its more expensive (although tbh, given what Ive seen some people pay for their DIY, i dont think i get a bad deal at all), but for me, 100% worth it.
Coffee_Bean
Well-Known Member
I'm on DIY, but do get a lot of help from my friend, we pay her £15 as she also looks after me! I much prefer this as oit works for me and i like the fact that i do alot of the care stuff, Because i do think it creates a large bond with the horse, But if someone couldn't get to their horse enough, so would be giving them inadequate care then definately put the horse on full livery. So i think it is really about personal preference and personal circumstances!!
Fruddy
Well-Known Member
Thanks Thierra - your post mirrors how I feel. I have been a full livery ever since having my horse six years ago and I seem to get a lot of flak on certain other forums for being a full livery. I got a comment a few weeks ago along the lines of "if you don't have time to muck out a horse then you don't have time to own one" which to be honest really annoyed me.
My job sometimes sees me in meetings at 7:00 pm in the evenings - if I was a DIY then my poor horse would be standing in a filthy bed by that time, wondering where the hell his tea was. Yes, as you've said, it is expensive - I don't have any change out of £600.00 per month for livery alone, that doesn't include the Farrier, Insurance, Supplements, Vet, replacing equipment etc. - but I wouldn't swap it for the world.
My job sometimes sees me in meetings at 7:00 pm in the evenings - if I was a DIY then my poor horse would be standing in a filthy bed by that time, wondering where the hell his tea was. Yes, as you've said, it is expensive - I don't have any change out of £600.00 per month for livery alone, that doesn't include the Farrier, Insurance, Supplements, Vet, replacing equipment etc. - but I wouldn't swap it for the world.
Christmas_Kate
Well-Known Member
At the end of the day, having ahorse is meant to be fun. Some people have time to muck out etc, others don't. some have money for full livery, others don't.
If you're happy when you get to the yard and don't have to worry if you get stuck in a meeting then full livery works for you.
Your job pays for your horse, and if you have a relitavely worry free horse ownership, then I say good on you!
If you're happy when you get to the yard and don't have to worry if you get stuck in a meeting then full livery works for you.
Your job pays for your horse, and if you have a relitavely worry free horse ownership, then I say good on you!
_OC_
Well-Known Member
Now prefer DIY as had my horse on full livery when I worked in London and paid mega bucks for the privilege......when I returned from a ride had my tack whipped away to be cleaned and never felt I had any control over my horse.......now feel 9 years down the line of doing DIY livery I would do no other,yes I could afford to put him on full,but he would not feel like mine and for me, part of owning a horse is the pleasure of looking after him!
clipclop
Well-Known Member
Why would anyone give anyone flack about how they choose to keep their horse if the horse is being cared for
Some people are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo aaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhh!!!
,,,,and breathe
Some people are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo aaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhh!!!
,,,,and breathe
Tierra
Well-Known Member
Ohhh Ive had grief about it before also which is completly unfair.
I believe my horse gets the best care possible where he is. No matter what is going on in my life, his routine is absolutly constant and he's handled by professional people.
They're on site all day long and the horses are always in sight. If I could keep my horse at home, then fine, I'd happily do all the work because I do have the time for it. However, I cant keep him at home and nor can I be at the yard absolutly all day so for me, this is the best alternative.
Ignore the people who say those things to you. It's completly your choice and your horse is being looked after which is what matters. You're being 100% more responsible than trying to juggle a horse on DIY livery if you don't have the time for it.
I believe my horse gets the best care possible where he is. No matter what is going on in my life, his routine is absolutly constant and he's handled by professional people.
They're on site all day long and the horses are always in sight. If I could keep my horse at home, then fine, I'd happily do all the work because I do have the time for it. However, I cant keep him at home and nor can I be at the yard absolutly all day so for me, this is the best alternative.
Ignore the people who say those things to you. It's completly your choice and your horse is being looked after which is what matters. You're being 100% more responsible than trying to juggle a horse on DIY livery if you don't have the time for it.
_OC_
Well-Known Member
Oh dear........abit tetchy tonight Bonzabean......deep,deep breaths now......nice and deep.........!
anniedoherty
Well-Known Member
I can't keep my horse at home because I haven't got enough land so I keep him at full livery at my trainers yard. She only offers full livery but, to be honest, that suits me fine. I work flexible hours because I'm self-employed so I can go up and play with my horse for a couple of hours each day and then I go back to work and do a couple of hours in the evenings to catch up. I couldn't earn a decent living if I had to do the 10 mile round trip to the yard twice a day, muck out etc before I rode.
I too have noticed that some people are critical of those who keep their horse on full livery. I don't think a horse cares who mucks him out at the end of the day. I have my horse because I love riding him and having fun. I have no objection to looking after him but there just aren't enough hours in the day for me to do it since I usually work until 8 p.m. at least 6 days a week. Surely that doesn't make me a worse person just because I choose to pay for his day to day care?
I too have noticed that some people are critical of those who keep their horse on full livery. I don't think a horse cares who mucks him out at the end of the day. I have my horse because I love riding him and having fun. I have no objection to looking after him but there just aren't enough hours in the day for me to do it since I usually work until 8 p.m. at least 6 days a week. Surely that doesn't make me a worse person just because I choose to pay for his day to day care?
clipclop
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Oh dear........abit tetchy tonight Bonzabean......deep,deep breaths now......nice and deep.........!
[/ QUOTE ]
in,,,,2,,3,,,4,,,,5,,,6,,,and out,,,,2,,,3,,,4,,,5,,,6,,,,haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!! Thank you
Oh dear........abit tetchy tonight Bonzabean......deep,deep breaths now......nice and deep.........!
[/ QUOTE ]
in,,,,2,,3,,,4,,,,5,,,6,,,and out,,,,2,,,3,,,4,,,5,,,6,,,,haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!! Thank you
Fruddy
Well-Known Member
I'm quite shocked (in a nice way!) because this is the only forum that I have had discussions on where there hasn't been one person who seems to have a bee in their bonnet about full livery. I've had someone say to me that I was effectively lazy, as she did as many hours per week as I worked, and as late at night but STILL managed to get to the yard whenever she finished work to muck out and ride, even if it meant her getting home at 11:00 pm. To my mind - this is crazy - and if you also have a family, which most people do, your hubby and kids aren't exactly going to be ecstatic about getting their own tea, ironing, washing etc., each night whilst the wife/mother goes straight to the yard from work and gets home when everyone is in bed PLUS - I do like to see my family too!
My horse is a very important part of my life and what is also important to me is making sure that he is cared for. As regards the "you don't bond with your horse unless you muck him out and feed yourself" - it's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. My horse knows exactly who I am, as soon as he sees my car on the yard he calls to me and follows me around when he's not tied up like a great big tri-coloured labrador.
But thank you all for your encouragement - it's made me feel so much more confident in myself and strengthened my belief that I am not a bad owner or that I don't deserve to have him.
My horse is a very important part of my life and what is also important to me is making sure that he is cared for. As regards the "you don't bond with your horse unless you muck him out and feed yourself" - it's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. My horse knows exactly who I am, as soon as he sees my car on the yard he calls to me and follows me around when he's not tied up like a great big tri-coloured labrador.
But thank you all for your encouragement - it's made me feel so much more confident in myself and strengthened my belief that I am not a bad owner or that I don't deserve to have him.
Stella
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Thierra - your post mirrors how I feel. I have been a full livery ever since having my horse six years ago and I seem to get a lot of flak on certain other forums for being a full livery. I got a comment a few weeks ago along the lines of "if you don't have time to muck out a horse then you don't have time to own one" which to be honest really annoyed me.
My job sometimes sees me in meetings at 7:00 pm in the evenings - if I was a DIY then my poor horse would be standing in a filthy bed by that time, wondering where the hell his tea was. Yes, as you've said, it is expensive - I don't have any change out of £600.00 per month for livery alone, that doesn't include the Farrier, Insurance, Supplements, Vet, replacing equipment etc. - but I wouldn't swap it for the world.
[/ QUOTE ] And don't you just love the sniffy types who say that full livery people can't possibly have a bond with their horse/s etc? Some people on DIY get very superior about it! Yet we don't read the derogatory comments about people on DIY from full liverys!
I'm full livery too by the way due to work committments, but I don't mind saying that I didn't like the DIY thing when I did it and I do have a good bond with my horse
Thanks Thierra - your post mirrors how I feel. I have been a full livery ever since having my horse six years ago and I seem to get a lot of flak on certain other forums for being a full livery. I got a comment a few weeks ago along the lines of "if you don't have time to muck out a horse then you don't have time to own one" which to be honest really annoyed me.
My job sometimes sees me in meetings at 7:00 pm in the evenings - if I was a DIY then my poor horse would be standing in a filthy bed by that time, wondering where the hell his tea was. Yes, as you've said, it is expensive - I don't have any change out of £600.00 per month for livery alone, that doesn't include the Farrier, Insurance, Supplements, Vet, replacing equipment etc. - but I wouldn't swap it for the world.
[/ QUOTE ] And don't you just love the sniffy types who say that full livery people can't possibly have a bond with their horse/s etc? Some people on DIY get very superior about it! Yet we don't read the derogatory comments about people on DIY from full liverys!
I'm full livery too by the way due to work committments, but I don't mind saying that I didn't like the DIY thing when I did it and I do have a good bond with my horse
Cobland
Well-Known Member
The yard im at only offers full livery, and i want to do DIY as im the YM there. So im around all the time doing my own horses etc.
I dont think its fair to categorise people, just cause someone has full livery, doesnt mean that they are bad owners.
There are some at the yard that wouldnt look after their own horses, simply cause they would rather be out drinking. Its people like that, that make me mad!!
Maybe im too obsessed with my horses lol, but they get breakfast before I do!! lol
I dont think its fair to categorise people, just cause someone has full livery, doesnt mean that they are bad owners.
There are some at the yard that wouldnt look after their own horses, simply cause they would rather be out drinking. Its people like that, that make me mad!!
Maybe im too obsessed with my horses lol, but they get breakfast before I do!! lol
X
xspiralx
Guest
But why shouldn't they? If they want to relax and go out drinking, and pay for the horse to be mucked out, why shouldn't they?
Well-Known Member
I prefer DIY as you can only blame yourself if it goes wrong!!! I'm such a fussy mum that I would nit pick all the time. However, I do get someone to muck out for me when I'm on night duty as now that I'm older I cant cope with working nights for seven days, mucking out and riding, so something has to give.......the mucking out
Also with DIY you know exactly what your horse is being fed and you dont have someone 'suggesting' you feed something else!
You could also try Part livery which is an inbetweeny
Also with DIY you know exactly what your horse is being fed and you dont have someone 'suggesting' you feed something else!
You could also try Part livery which is an inbetweeny
Cobland
Well-Known Member
Ive nothing against that, and yes i get paid to clean their horse out etc, but would it not be more better for the horse to come up and spend time with it, like grooming etc. Instead of coming up for an hour twice a week just to ride.
Before i got the job at the yard, i was up before my previous work to see my babies, then again after work, that was everyday. Im not trying to make myself out to be brillant, but if all i wanted to do was ride twice a week, then i would go to a riding stable
Before i got the job at the yard, i was up before my previous work to see my babies, then again after work, that was everyday. Im not trying to make myself out to be brillant, but if all i wanted to do was ride twice a week, then i would go to a riding stable
Fruddy
Well-Known Member
I do know what my horse is being fed - the yard do his feeds exactly to my specification, including his many supplements. I don't do part livery because I think that horses need to have a routine and he gets that on full. I also trust them implicitly - it is a family run business - they have horses of their own and treat Banjo one of the family.
Cobland
Well-Known Member
I wish i could get DIY livery, as im paying for my own feed for my 2 pregnant mares, as they are on mare and youngstock mix, also im cleaning them out myself.
I love doing others horses, i even pull manes etc if they ask nicely lol. Ive got to know all the horses well, created a nice bond with them.
I love doing others horses, i even pull manes etc if they ask nicely lol. Ive got to know all the horses well, created a nice bond with them.
Chex
Well-Known Member
I'm on DIY, I wouldn't pay for full because I am so pernickety I'd just go round changing it after it had been done anyway
. I'm not that fussed about riding, but I like my "stable" time, I would be bored if I didn't have to go up twice a day. Saying that, its only half 7 and I'm already home from yard, and I gutted both stables
so full would be handy sometimes.
squirtlysmum
Well-Known Member
I have been on full livery for the past two years as my job can suddenly mean non voluntary overtime and occasionally called in on rest days so the fact my ned is guarenteed to be cared for is a massive release and weight off my mind. Prior to this I was always on either DIY or assisted DIY and it has always been a strain as I like to know he's a happy warm boy and not hanging around a gate cold and miserable.
OH and I were in the throws of buying our own place with land when my YO rang and called me upto the yard as Wills had severe colic and eventually had surgery, had I been at work on overtime I may not have found him had he been at my own place he may have died waiting for me, so for me it's full livery until I retire then when I'm always available he'll be at home.
However I can't help myself and still pick up poo when it appears, it's just stamped on my mind!
OH and I were in the throws of buying our own place with land when my YO rang and called me upto the yard as Wills had severe colic and eventually had surgery, had I been at work on overtime I may not have found him had he been at my own place he may have died waiting for me, so for me it's full livery until I retire then when I'm always available he'll be at home.
However I can't help myself and still pick up poo when it appears, it's just stamped on my mind!
Stella
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Ive nothing against that, and yes i get paid to clean their horse out etc, but would it not be more better for the horse to come up and spend time with it, like grooming etc. Instead of coming up for an hour twice a week just to ride.
Before i got the job at the yard, i was up before my previous work to see my babies, then again after work, that was everyday. Im not trying to make myself out to be brillant, but if all i wanted to do was ride twice a week, then i would go to a riding stable
[/ QUOTE ] Someone was bound to come up with this in the end, I'm not even going to waste my breath this time
Ive nothing against that, and yes i get paid to clean their horse out etc, but would it not be more better for the horse to come up and spend time with it, like grooming etc. Instead of coming up for an hour twice a week just to ride.
Before i got the job at the yard, i was up before my previous work to see my babies, then again after work, that was everyday. Im not trying to make myself out to be brillant, but if all i wanted to do was ride twice a week, then i would go to a riding stable
[/ QUOTE ] Someone was bound to come up with this in the end, I'm not even going to waste my breath this time
walker1234
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I've had someone say to me that I was effectively lazy, as she did as many hours per week as I worked, and as late at night but STILL managed to get to the yard whenever she finished work to muck out and ride, even if it meant her getting home at 11:00 pm..
[/ QUOTE ]
I would have said "Good for you".
I have mine in livery, never done anything else. At first I felt I had to justify it to other people and did so by saying that I was so inexperienced at horse ownership that I didnt trust my knowledge enough. Now I dont feel the need to justify it to anyone anymore - although I do have kids and work part time. I *could* do DIY - but I wouldnt want to. I have no desire to pick up horse crap at 5 in the morning. Ever. I work hard and the privilege of this is that I can pay for someone else to give my horse the care he needs which frankly I would resent if I had to do DIY. Actually, I'll be honest, if I had to do DIY I dont think I would have a horse.
I've had someone say to me that I was effectively lazy, as she did as many hours per week as I worked, and as late at night but STILL managed to get to the yard whenever she finished work to muck out and ride, even if it meant her getting home at 11:00 pm..
[/ QUOTE ]
I would have said "Good for you".
I have mine in livery, never done anything else. At first I felt I had to justify it to other people and did so by saying that I was so inexperienced at horse ownership that I didnt trust my knowledge enough. Now I dont feel the need to justify it to anyone anymore - although I do have kids and work part time. I *could* do DIY - but I wouldnt want to. I have no desire to pick up horse crap at 5 in the morning. Ever. I work hard and the privilege of this is that I can pay for someone else to give my horse the care he needs which frankly I would resent if I had to do DIY. Actually, I'll be honest, if I had to do DIY I dont think I would have a horse.
Janette
Well-Known Member
I do DIY and have done for 6 months through the winter, with no turnout. (Previously on working livery
)
- I have to say that there are times when Full livery is very attractive.
Your horse is there to have fun with, that's the most important thing! I personally would rather spend my time riding than mucking out
And possibly the reason for the superior attitude from some DIY people - just might be a spot of jealousy.
- I have to say that there are times when Full livery is very attractive.
Your horse is there to have fun with, that's the most important thing! I personally would rather spend my time riding than mucking out
And possibly the reason for the superior attitude from some DIY people - just might be a spot of jealousy.
Peanot
Well-Known Member
Personally I prefer DIY, as I am very picky who looks after my horse. No-one does it as good as me!!!
Everything has to be perfect. The first time I asked someone to get Rox in (a couple of months ago), thr friend tied her up while picking out feet and something made her jump as she left her on her own for a couple of mins and Rox pulled back and snapped the rope!!!! Time for call out for physio, out at poll!
This friend is lady with her horse in same field so I get them both in every night when she is working or we get them in together. She is lovely lady but I make sure I get up there earlier.
I prefer the DIY as it is more personal between you and your horse and Rox whinnies at me and only me.
It is everyones circumstances tho. Full or part livery suits people who work long hours for instance, or a novice owner.
It is everyones preference too.
Everything has to be perfect. The first time I asked someone to get Rox in (a couple of months ago), thr friend tied her up while picking out feet and something made her jump as she left her on her own for a couple of mins and Rox pulled back and snapped the rope!!!! Time for call out for physio, out at poll!
This friend is lady with her horse in same field so I get them both in every night when she is working or we get them in together. She is lovely lady but I make sure I get up there earlier.
I prefer the DIY as it is more personal between you and your horse and Rox whinnies at me and only me.
It is everyones circumstances tho. Full or part livery suits people who work long hours for instance, or a novice owner.
It is everyones preference too.