Is there such thing as a 'nice' livery yard?

[KatB]

I'm on a lovely yard at the moment. There is a bit of bitching going on I'm sure, but tbh it's so minimal you can just ignore it! The YO is no fool, and the yard is well established and well run. Generally everyone is lovely though It is expensive, but I guess you get what you pay for!

 

[ForeverBroke_]

I love the yard I'm on at the moment..

There are of course a few things that we'd be better off without / changed but I stay up there for as long as physically possible and its my home away from home.

I even have a field at home that I've had sat waiting for 3 years and I won't move onto it because I love the yard I'm on so much!

 

[Spit That Out]

Yes there a loads of nice yards out there...don't tar all of us with the same brush!!!

I'm not saying our yard is perfect and like most people, if it was my place i would do some things differently but on the whole it's a good yard.

There are approx 60 liveries and We have 3 mile gallops, 8 mile farm ride with jumps across the road, jumping paddock, indoor school, outdoor school, lunging paddock, 250 acres off road hacking, quiet lanes to hack around, horse walker, hay straw and haylege on site, wash bay, brew room with (human) showers, parking for your trailers/lorries and shows a couple of times a year....all for £25 a week DIY livery.
The yard manager offers Part and full livery as well.
Loads of people to hack out with and there are 2/3 instructors on site.

There are (like any yards) a couple of cow bags but most people are friendly and helpful. There are a couple of cliques but maybe because I'm a "floater" and get on with everyone i don't fall into any group.

I think it's time you look for another yard. Horses are an expensive and time consuming hobby so you need to be happy with your yard and the people on it otherwise you'll end up not wanting to go down there.
Take a weekend to have a mooch around yards in your area and weigh up the pros and cons of each place.

If you were closer to me I'd suggest the yard I'm on as we have 3 stables free at the moment. 2 in the barn and 1 outside (the outside one is huge) and the others are 12x12.

Good luck with the search.

 

[Enfys]

I have been to a few and they are ****....I much prefer doing my own thing on my own - no bitchiness, no nastiness no judging, and no backstabbing...just the beautiful countryside and my beautiful horses!!!!

Lucky enough to keep your horses at home then that's nice.

 

[ScarlettLady]

:-( Kokopelli thats awful for you!!! they have no right to criticise your riding and potential teaching ability! I watched your XC video last month and you and your horse looked fab together!!
I was asked to teach the 'babies' at our local PC rallies last yr, I've never done anything spectacular with my horse, but love teaching! and was thrilled to be asked, but people were annoyed at this, and needless to say I wasn't asked back this year, they got a snooty dressage rider (sure the kids enjoyed my egg and spoon games and round the world better but hey!)

My yard should be perfect, as there are only 4 horse with just me and my cousin, however its family and isn't always lovely!
But the yard I used to be at and I use the school at 100m up the road is lovely, the YO couldn't go out of her way more to help people and everyone gets on fab, but I have been on some pretty damn awful yards!

Hope you find a better yard soon!! theres nothing worse than dreading riding etc. I was on a yard once where a lad used to ride at 10pm so that no one else was around to criticise him, I just thought that was awful that he should have to do that, but thats the only time he felt comfortable.

Good luck!!!

 

[Weezy]

Would it mess Koko up being ridden at 6 in the morn? I don't mind getting up early but I didn't know if this would just mess with his routine a bit?

Of course not. At my (lovely, no bitching at all) yard 3 girls all ride between 5.30am and 7.30am as they work

 

[skint1]

My horses live on seperate yards that couldn't be more different from each other, one being a farm with just 3 horses and 2 owners and the other on a large livery yard.

We're very fortunate that both places are not bitchy. Obviously on a larger yard you get a broad range of opinions some of which you won't agree with, and people will often have little bickers between themselves but it's seldom serious. I can't imagine anyone watching a fellow livery struggle with their horse in the school, or anywhere, and stand on the side laughing.

The place we had our horse at before this large yard was a small private yard and despite the YO saying they didn't tolerate bitchiness it was bitchy and oppressive.

 

[ScarlettLady]

Re. Riding at 6am, I rode mine at 5.30am last winter, I found I rode much better as hadn't had the stress of the day yet and He went much better having been in overnight and not gorging himself on lovely lush grass

 

[Lotty]

I've been at my yard for nearly 5 years now. When I first went there it was nearly all adults and everyone seemed to get on. Now it's all horrible, bitchy teenagers who are starting to bring their friends an boyfriends down. Also the yard owner started a job a couple of years ago and she couldn't care less. I'm on the look out too.

 

[horsecrazy25]

Awwwww <<<Hugs>>> Sounds Awful. Hope you ok. I loved my old livery yard then was lucky enough to have my own stables built.

I know 2 lovely liveries in Ross-On-Wye but even though you in Gloucester think that a bit to far. x

 

[Happy Hunter]

I have always been a rent a field and do it yourself girl - coming to a yard was a big shock for me!
I would say my yard is a small/medium size. School, lungepen, floodlights and concrete drew me in (You have no idea how i used to dream of having a concrete pad to stand on!)

Things have been great, people are always on hand for advice, or a goss, or even a helping hand to load a subborn donkey (Lots of kicks later we had 4 of us pick it up!!)

Oh and riding at 6am - No worries mate! My Baby goes better at that time, now she is used to flood lights, and things coming out of the darkness, and being rudely awoken with a saddle slapped on her back!

 

[Happy Hunter]

forgot to say - i was only supposed to be there for a few months in the winter - Now im staying!

 

[MissMincePie&Brandy]

There are such things as the perfect yard. I'm on one (almost). Everyone is courteous and supportive of each other. It's not huge. There's about 30 horses and 20 owners. It's a smart yard, and we have beautiful hanging baskets and the yard is re-painted white, twice a year. The YO is the most vigilant and caring person I know, and she thinks nothing of staying up all night with any horse who is unwell on the yard. The only downside is our school is not the best surface, but it's useable, is floodlit and we have a field to use as well if we want.

I am currently viewing horses to buy, and my god I am shocked at some of the yards I've been to. It makes me feel extra appreciative of where I am!

 

[Kokopelli]

Thanks for all the support everyone!
So I rode at 5am this morning! Koko wasn't that pleased, bless him but I felt I rode much better as no one was watching and judging me.

Theres obviously some nice yards out there and as soon as I pass my driving test I'm moving

Today was interesting, I get up to the yard to find one of my friends close to tears as one of the liveries broke into her trailer as she was accused of stealing hay!!! They also cut up her haynets and stole all the straw out of her stable.

And the yard owner, doesn't want to know, he won't kick said person off as she has 4 horses and gives him money and he couldn't replace her as the yard has such a reputation no one is stupid enough to move up there!!

 

[ScarlettLady]

OMG How childish!
Definately move now! not nice for horses to be in that kind of environment either

Unfortunately it tends to be younger teenagers etc. on yards that ignite bitchiness as its feuded by older very immature ppl there, but the poor kids love the attention of going between for some reason.
Looking back now when I was younger (11,12,13 kinda age) I probably caused fights on yards, but didn't realise at the time, it just felt good to be popular.... Its just wrong that these immature adults use children/teenagers to argue and fight their way

 

[Kokopelli]

OMG How childish!
Definately move now! not nice for horses to be in that kind of environment either

Unfortunately it tends to be younger teenagers etc. on yards that ignite bitchiness as its feuded by older very immature ppl there, but the poor kids love the attention of going between for some reason.
Looking back now when I was younger (11,12,13 kinda age) I probably caused fights on yards, but didn't realise at the time, it just felt good to be popular.... Its just wrong that these immature adults use children/teenagers to argue and fight their way

I'm the only person up there under the age of 20!
The main horrible people are all about mid 40s but they act like 6yos!!

I took Koko out on a little stroll after schooling today and he was real chilled then all of a sudden he tensed up, 4 of the people from the group came hammering down the road behind him (knowing he's a quirky little thing)

Koko was as good as gold much to their dismay but I was very proud of him then its as if he knew and just acted like an angle to make me look better

 

[madalicedj]

Thanks for all the support everyone!
So I rode at 5am this morning! Koko wasn't that pleased, bless him but I felt I rode much better as no one was watching and judging me.

Theres obviously some nice yards out there and as soon as I pass my driving test I'm moving

Today was interesting, I get up to the yard to find one of my friends close to tears as one of the liveries broke into her trailer as she was accused of stealing hay!!! They also cut up her haynets and stole all the straw out of her stable.

And the yard owner, doesn't want to know, he won't kick said person off as she has 4 horses and gives him money and he couldn't replace her as the yard has such a reputation no one is stupid enough to move up there!!

Wow that sounds horrid. Always try to take a professional/legal approach. Ie the incidents you just mentioned are criminal damage etc mention reporting to the police it usually gets people to buck up their ideas. Do it in a innocent way to lessen the feeling of attack. "I suppose i will need to call the police. Its really scary what's happened. It everyone else ok?2 Then batt wide innocent looking eyes.
Personal I am lucky I'm on a fab wee yard. When I went to look it had not long been taken over by the current yard manager. She has a real nice way with the horse and chatters away to every1 helps out advises and hacks with any1 who wants.
"The most important thing is we don't want any1 being stuck up or nasty here" she said when showing me around "we are just a nice wee friendly yard".
9 horses and all year turn out avail threat security post and rail paddocks hacking around the fields close by bridal paths Outdoor school which is hopefully getting lights shortly and the owners live on site with laser alarm and gates so you know your horse is safe and tack etc
VERY glad i found it I'm sure you will too.
Remember the easiest thing to do is criticise others. And people who are insecure will find fault with others so reassure themselves . They are intimidated and insecure. How nasty to snigger at someone whos trying and just wants to work with their horse ad enjoy them.
I hope you find a solution soon

 

[ScarlettLady]

In that case this is pure bullying really feel for you!!!! *hugs*

That's just dangerous to come up behind you like that! Good boy Koko though!!
Bet you were dancing inside!! I love it when my horses prove ppl wrong

Hope you get it sorted soon!!

 

[Chellebean]

I love my new yard. I am so well supported there, even if it is small. YO was great this evening and I think I would have had a break down with out her there!!! Huge thanks to Brownmare

 

[Kokopelli]

I think the person who had a trailer broken into rung the police, but they didn't want to know :/ So frustrating!

 

[silverstar]

Im not sure there is a nice yard well Ive not been on one anyway. The last yard was okay but some bitchy people. Im glad my horse went on loan and I left. Im looking for another quiet yard and cant seem to find any. But Id get out of your yard. It doesnt sound pleasant at all.

 

[Kokopelli]

Im not sure there is a nice yard well Ive not been on one anyway. The last yard was okay but some bitchy people. Im glad my horse went on loan and I left. Im looking for another quiet yard and cant seem to find any. But Id get out of your yard. It doesnt sound pleasant at all.

If I didn't need a menage I woud move in an instant and once I pass my test I can move
The problem is horses bring together bitchy people, and bitchy people in close proximity of each other is never good.

 

[Tiffany]

Poor you, I've been on yards where the staff and other liveries have been brilliant but the YOs either lazy or just not nice people and haven't given the service I've been paying for Having said that, there are very good yards out there and luckily found one! The YOs and staff are very professional and friendly. They do exactly what I am paying for, my horse is so settled and in a routine that suits her. The one down side is that it's an hour from home although at least I know my horse is well looked after and safe when I work away.

I'm sure there must be good yards in your area and hopefully you find one soon.

 

[RedVendetta]

I've been on a few yards lately for various reasons but I have now found a wonderful yard where the YO is so supportive and everyone there is so helpful. My horse was recently diagnosed with kissing spine and had an operation last week - I have to go away this week with work but I know he will be well looked after and get all his medication.
I was at a yard for years where the YO shouted at me regularly like I was a child (I'm 31) and banked a cheque to themselves that I wrote for the back man! I realised I didnt get this treatment elsewhere, like at home or at work, so why put up with it when you are paying to be there!

Don't put up with it, especially if your YO is not supportive, I think its one of the most important parts of finding somewhere you are comfortable with.
Hope you find somewhere really good where you can enjoy your horse - as others have said horses are too expensive to not be enjoyed 100%! Good luck Xx

 

[amandaco2]

dont put up with it.
its an expensive lifestyle, so why be so unhappy? travelling another 5 miles is worth it imho.
i am really happy at my yard, i love it!

 

[Kokopelli]

Your right I shouldn't put up with it, its to expensive to not enjoy and I'm so tired from riding at stupid o clock in the morning.

I've decided to start looking for yards now and by the time I find one I probably will have passed my driving test

 

[Sue1962]

Hi

I was interested to read this post as I have just moved out of a livery yard after only 4 month because of problems.

Originally, I moved in back in June of this year with three horses, and all was brilliant. Lovely stables, plenty of grass and good riding. However, things started to take a turn for the worse at the beginning of September.

First I had better tell you a bit of background information. The main property owner had let this woman have certain fields etc and stables so that she could start up her own business. I needed somewhere to move my horses as the yard I had been at for four years was not providing what I was paying for (my horses has no grass and had resorted to eating the bark off the trees in their field even though I was feeding them with haylage and hard feed daily). This new yard came along at the right time, or so I thought. The horses were happy, had plenty of grass and I had the use of three good stables. I had my equipment ie feed bins, tack, grooming kit, rugs, haylage etc all at the yard. Then the Livery Yard 'Managr' started making noises such as where my bins were was no good as they were blocking access, my haylage and hay should be stored away from hers so it didnt get mixed up, my tack was left on my stable door. I took the hint and brought everything home. One day I went down there and the combination had been changed on the padlock to the stable block, and doors I had access through were roped shut from the inside so I couldnt get into where my grooming kit was. This didnt matter as it turns out as she had dumped my grooming kit and horse medical box outside!!!! This was all happening while the owner of the property went abroad for 5wks.

It was then that the texts started. 'Could I make sure all poo picking was up to date', 'changes are being made at the yard and if they didnt happen then her horses would be the only ones there' and so it went on. I decided to find somewhere else. Once I had, I asked the woman for receipts dating back to the time I had moved in (20 June) as she hadn't provided them. She refuses to let me have them and has now started ignoring my requests. She is also going round telling people that I owe her money , when in fact she owes me £220 for money I lent her to get out of a sticky situation.

This woman has turned out to be nothing short of a complete B***h and I want nothing more to do with her. I do still want my receipts and the money she owes me but don't see what I should have to suffer for her black balling me.

 

[Sol]

They DO exist!!!
Has taken me years to find our yard, but it's brilliant

 

[claireandnadia]

Yes! My yard is amazing and I love it! Would like an indoor arena ideally but everything else is fab:
http://www.wildfarmequestrian.co.uk/

I'm sure I hired a box from here.