Holding Fee Livery Yards??

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WelshTilly

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Hi All

Situation i'm currently horseless :( actively looking :), a vacancy has come up in a nearby livery yard 3 miles down the road from my house where a friend keeps her's and her daughters horse anyhow its a lovely small yard 8 stables, excellant facillities with school and decent hacking, ticks all my boxes, YO has yet to advertise im going for a visit and tour round wed. OH has already been to see and thinks they are fab so fingers crossed. Friend loves the stables and has been there for over a year now.

Anyhow as i am horseless what is everyones experience of paying a holding fee/ discussing holding a stable?

Currently they charge £30 / week including bedding however in Jan they will be going to £25 / week not including bedding i don't mind as between me and my friend we can come to a mutual arrangement which would work out better for us. Anyhow what would you expect to pay as a holding charge im kinda assuming the full whack ie £25 / week plus deposit as the owner would be losing money on a stable that could be rented out??

However has anyone had any experience on paying the full whack or reducing the cost or any ideas?

Cheers cup of chocolate marsh mellows & cream for anyone who replies!! :D

K x
 
As a YO myself - although happy to hold a stable for the right person for a few days while vetting is done etc - TBH you can't really expect any person to hold an empty stable for any length of time due to, as you already point out would be a huge loss of income. I am wary of people coming to my yard and repeating the same kind of story as (exceptions of course) many are time wasters and the idea of horse is not that real ! so from the other side of the fence beaware if YO is a little off !! I always charge the full amount per month plus a 25% deposit required but no keys released or codes until horse is in situ. A prelim contract is also reqired to be signed stating what the renter can and cannot do until a full contract with horses details can be completed and signed.
Hope this helps and good luck with your search - It can takes weeks, months but it's worth waiting for the right horse ! Have Fun and Merry Christmas !
 
We have a similar situation at our yard just now. A family reserved the last empty stable for their daughters loan pony. At the last minute the loan fell through and as the YO had turned people away who wanted the box the family are paying the rent for an empty box. We are pure DIY though so no hay charges etc which makes a difference!
 
Hi Both

Thank you for your replies, i suspected that would be the case, just wondered what peoples experiences were. There are a few decent yards around me and all our full currently with no sign of people leaving however who knows what is around the corner.

This yard is just so convinient being 3 miles, with facilities and my friend being there means we can share jobs and also have the support of a few liveries this being my first horse as an adult, it also means i can continue with my lessons having a school so really ticks every box, i have discussed the option of holding the stable and the YO who seems happy with this as i understand my friend has only sang my praises and vouched for me (Owe a large glass of wine and several favours to friend...!!)

I think ill go along with an open mind i have several horse viewings lined up in the new year plus several contacts on the look so i am actively looking but not going to rush the process as horse needs to be right!!

Abina - Thanks for the heads up on the contract side that is great from both mine and the YO perspective,

Merry Christmas All
K x
 
Prehaps for Christmas you could get 'prezzies' of a weeks livery from your nearest and dearest ! after all this would be VERY helpful ! !! lol
 
My yard held a stable and grazing vacancy for me for 9 months whilst I was looking for my youngster, I paid the full fee. TBH I wouldnt expect to pay less, as I could of changed my mind and farmer could of rented to someone else
 
At my yard we held a full livery space for 1 month while the new livery completed her notice period at her old yard, it ended up being about 5 weeks in the end once she had managed to get the horse transported we charged £20 a week for box retaining during this time.
 
Personally I would be happy to pay a 'holding fee' or full stable rent if the yard was really what I wanted. That way the YO is not loosing out and even if you are paying for an empty stable that's the price for peace of mind etc
 
Thanks all for your thoughts / advice you have all confirmed what i have first thought!! I shall visit wed and if i like go ahead and discuss with the YO.

9 monthes fizzer thats a long time hoping my stabe wont be empty that long!!

Albina - Great idea on the Chrimbo present ideas although think i might have a new pair if riding boots from OH and the agreement that we can fund the renovating our new house, his race car and my horse for the forseeable future so better not push my luck!! :D

K x
 
Yep, I paid the full livery charge to retain my stable after my horse was PTS. Finding a good yard is as important as finding the right horse, so definitely worth paying for.
 
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