Is social of livery worth putting up with bitchery vs own land

"Bitchery" . . . what a fab word! Sounds like somewhere you could keep all the yard bitches - or a place to breed 'em (like a hatchery).

Being serious for a sec . . . I've been on big and small yards and there are benefits to both, but much depends on the actual yard . . . and how involved the YO is (or isn't).

Currently on a really small yard (YO with her daughter's two competition ponies and one other livery and me) and it works really well . . . but the facilities are wonderful (huge floodlit school, massive collection of SJs, horsewalker, big stables, hot water shower for the horses and a solarium) so it feels, in some ways like a big yard. In addition, yard is smack bang in the middle of a family compound, so there are always people about/never feels lonely.

Personally, I don't think I would be happy totally on my own - so if I won the lottery I would have the Donkey at home, with a couple of field companions (probably shetlands - he loves them), and rent out 2 or 3 additional stables - but that's it.

P
 
Actually, I was thinking on this some more (Procrastination!) and I know a couple of people, my riding buddy included, who could keep horses at home but choose to keep them at DIY livery for a variety of reasons, so it can't be all bad! I accept though that I've been lucky with my yards for the most part!
 
I kept mine at home for almost 12 years (from when I was 11 to when my old pony died when I was 23). I am now doing a PhD in Sheffield and have my horse on livery up here.

I like the people at my yard, but without doubt if I had the option I would keep at home again. My rules, I don't have people moaning at me about other people then being best pals them after I've spent 20 minutes listening to them complain. The pluses for me of being at a yard are arena (rode on my field at home so no winter schooling) and people to hack out with, as my 'oss is better with company (although if I was keeping on my own at home I would make sure it was excellent hacking solo). But even factoring arena in (I could only ride at weekends at home in the winter), keeping at home definitely wins.
 
If I had my way without doubt have a lovely little country cottage, old rose brick stable or 2 (like it simple) no school, four acres, great hacking, a couple of hunt jumps to practise over and feeding in my pjs. Social wouldn't worry me, 90% of my friends keep their horses at home anyway so we would just meet up as we do now out hunting at comps or just to ride. And if it was my own place they could come to stay which would involve feeding at 10pm after too many g&ts and consequently dinner not being ready until 11. Sigh I wish maybe one day. Where is that lovely rich man eh!
 
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