Following on from the full livery thread - tips on finding the right one?

[Ranyhyn]

What are you top tips for finding a great full livery yard?

Mine are, to drop past to enquire in the first instance. It may be a little naughty but any good yard will be more than happy for you to drop in, even if you can't be shown round etc properly at least you can get a feeling for the place before hand. Once you have made an appointment you can never be sure if things are only being done for your benefit..

Spot checks seem so important.

Judge by how happy and settled the rest of the yard is. We don't have any full liveries but the owners horses are some of the most chilled I have seen!

If the yard is busy that's usually a good sign, but if its dead..then there's usually a reason for that

Any more to add anyone?

 

[merlinmagic]

For the past few weeks I have been sourcing a new yard in a completely different part of the country so had no idea as to the local yards and where to go and who to avoid.

My top tips would be :

Compose your own 'wish list' first and put your requirements in order with the top three as must have's, the next three being things that you want but can be a bit flexible on - ie size of stables, Barn or out side stables, size of school, the last three things that you can give up or swap, and the last one being your ideal luxury item but don't really expect to have it !

Next phone the yards and ask the basic questions so that you can rule out any yard that cannot offer your top two/three on your wish list.

Turn up on spec - try to go at a busy time - early evening so that you can see the yard in action and possibly at it's worst !

If you get a good feel then make an appointment to see the yard properly and you can then ask the more in depth questions.

If possible drive past the yard at different times - are horses out, walker used, people riding, etc

get in touch with local RC and hunts and ask around. Stop people while out riding and enquire about where they livery or ask about a certain yard.

Make sure you are happy with everything first then you can sort a moving date !

Be prepare to be flexible and remember every yard is different.