Grass livery - would anyone go for this?

[zoon]

I have 3 acres of land and am getting it ready for the youngster I am going to buy later this year. Not used it before as my riding horses have always been in livery. Obviously I need a companion for it, but don't want to buy one as once the youngster is in work in a few years it'll be moved to livery where there are more facilities. Then I'd be left with a poor companion horse to be moved on yet again. I don't think that's fair to get a horse knowing it's time with me is limited.

Ideally I'd want to get a grass livery to keep my horse company. I have no idea what grass livery costs - anyone give me any ideas? I have no facilities there, but grazing is very good and fencing will be of high standard. There'll also be a field shelter. I was wondering whether to charge or to simply offer free or reduced livery in exchange for poo picking daily? As there'd only be one extra horse in addition to theirs, it'd be an easy job. Would anyone go for this do you think? How much would you charge?

And what do you think the chances are of finding someone with a youngster are, as obviously it'd be better for my horse to have another youngster as company?

 

[Benji1]

A friend of mine does just this in the north, she pays £10 a week

 

[zoon]

Does she pay £10 per week and do poo picking? Or just £10 per week? I'm in kent where other types of livery are more expensive - anyone have any idea how much grass livery down here is?

 

[Divasmum]

I would imagine the amount you can charge varies depending on where you are.

 

[Benji1]

just had a quick look via the invention of google and it looks like it would be around £10 - £15 per horse in kent... hope thats helpful

and my friend does the poo picking on a weekend

 

[Lollii]

There is a grass livery down here near me (East Sussex) that charges £18 a week, I think they have to do their own poo picking.

 

[R2R]

You are going to really struggle with 3 acres and 2 horses on grass livery. I would advise, if you want it to work, that you get a mini, because otherwise you will be out of grass in an instant. Split your paddock into three and skip and rotate them monthly, to give a chance for the grass to recover.

Grass livery tends to mean people want their horse to eat grass, and I am sorry but I cant see how that would work with 3 acres, especially through the winter.

 

[precious1]

Id have to agree with R2R 3 acres isnt loads for 2 horses turned out 24/7.
Good luck with what ever u decide

 

[Tink_87]

I rented a 3 acre field for two horses when one needed to be turned away due to injury and, to be honest, we did struggle. Spent a small fortune in haylege!