Grass livery advice please

[naturegirl]

I am a relatively new horse owner. Previously I have shared for many years where I rode and took care of a number horses independently at a small DIY yard. I am currently on a lovely livery yard on part livery but I am struggling at not having more control over my mares routines, care and grazing I am thinking of moving her to a DIY grass livery. As it would be much cheaper and more in my control.
My mare is new to me and I know she has previously lived out (she is a hardy little cob) She isn't settling very well were we are and my instinct says that she needs 24/7 turn out and more of a one to one relationship that she is getting now. I am not working and do have the time to have her on DIY with the odd days assistance......
However having never done it COMPLETELY on my own before I was wondering if anybody had any tips, hints suggestions or advice as too what are the pit falls and things to be aware of. I am confident in my basic horse care skills and I would want the grass livery to be attached to a yard or with others....I am thinking it through but there may be things I am not aware of!!! (you don't know what you don't know!)
Thank you in advance for any pearls of wisdom!!!

 

[Shay]

It is worth making sure you can have access to a stable - even with 24/7 turnout. The last thing you need to be doing if she is injured or unwell is to be unable to stable her; either short term for a very or longer term for re-hab.

For me I prefer single sex turnout - my experience has been that mixed genders causes problems. But I do know others have mixed herds very happily. Its just a no no for me. Also you need smallish groups. Not so small that you can end up with a special friend or pair bond problem - but not so large that the group can run feral.

And final thought - depends where you live - but somewhere to store rugs and to get them clean and dry is a must in the soggy south east! Otherwise you end up with your car and your house full of half dry muddy rugs!

 

[Sparemare]

Was she previously stabled at her own home?

 

[naturegirl]

Thank you. That is very useful advice that I will add to my list of 'things to consider' when deciding on where we go! I definitely need somewhere that I can store rugs....east anglia is pretty wet :0

 

[naturegirl]

She lived out at her last home....