Livery yard questions

[FairyLights]

I've read through the livery yard questions over the years , from both sides,both clients and YO. What strikes me is that most of the problems stem from poor facilities or management and no contract, for example new horses not isolated on arrival, inadequate fencing,lack of rules,the list goes on. I wonder how many YO provide properly managed yards with suitable facilities,and how many clients are willing [and do] pay the true market price for such facilities ?
I think there are still too many yards where the owners are trying to make a tax-free quick buck,so dont charge VAT or have payments by DD with no contract on either side. And how many owners are willing to pay the true cost of excellent facilities on good yards? Give all this its not suprising that things get messy.

 

[loverly]

I'm lucky to be on a small, private yard which is run very well.

There is no contract, but all liveries HAVE to read the "book of rules" before they even bring there horse on the yard. This "book" also includes scenarios such as if you have a horse that runs up and down the fence lines, the owner is responsible to re-seeding that area before they are moved to a different paddock.

Everyone knows what the yard owner expects you to do and that her aim is to manage her yard as best she can - even if it may not be to one or two liveries ideal.

I'm very happy to pay for a good service, with a honest and understanding YO/YM

 

[pixie]

Hmm
Well I'm opening up a small livery yard in a couple of months time, and unfortunately I know that I will be competing with a few nearby places who don't pay business rates and will therefore have lower overheads. Also we're running it through the farm, so all monies go through the farm accountant who makes sure all the tax etc is correct.

I do wonder if people even consider that some yards may have to be more expensive for similar facilities/services just due to the fact that they are doing things by the book. And would people rather go for cheaper livery than slightly more expensive livery run by someone who sticks to the law...?

 

[fidleyspromise]

when I'm looking for livery, price comes into it to a degree BUT the facilities and a decent YO are far more important as it means less vet bills and a happier pony.

My current place is one of the cheapest I've been at, run above board and the YO is excellent. I've (touch wood) had no injuries, no issues and I was told when a horse jumped in with mine, unlike the last place where I wasn't told that mine had jumped out due to being bullied and it had been more expensive.

 

[Tilda]

The yard I am on now is the first professionally run (ie as a business with full time staff) that I have ever been on and is a lot more expensive than the other yards. I have to say though for me it is worth the extra money as there is none of the bitching and cliques I have experienced on other yards and they have been really accommodating to my mares needs so we are both very happy there, so yes I am willing to pay for a properly run yard

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Most yards I've been on have been legitimate but prices seem to vary irrespective of facilities by £15 - £30 p/w for DIY.
Dear doesn't always mean better.

Perhaps land owned by farmers, rather than bought/rented by horse people for running a livery yard, can offer the same or better facilities for a cheaper price.

My priority is always the environment for the horses, so good fencing, good grazing and turnout comes before facilities for myself.

Once the essential elements are there, I would be happy to pay for a good, safe surface in a menage and all the frills but its always a balance between cost and budget.

I often wonder why web sites show pictures of facilities but fail to show the grazing, describe the land, the turnout.

 

[grumblebee]

I currently don't have a horse but I have been on quite a lot of yards of all shapes and sizes as well as having had my own.

The worst I've seen (never took my horse there) was a yard where the stables has massive steps to get into them. The majority of the stables were far far too small for their inhabitants and there was no solid ground so the bedding was placed over mud and the horses simply stepped in and out of mud.

The horses were kept in large groups with barb wire fencing that was loose and half fallen on the ground. The only nice thing was the flood lit school! Surprisingly the yard was full to the brim and they were in the process of making building more uneven stables in every cranny they could find space. To this day I don't know why anybody would have wanted to keep their horses there regardless of price!!

Although price is important to me, the safety and well being of my horse (if I had one) would be paramount. I want a yard with knowledgeable managers/owners that offer flexibility as well facilities that would allow me to ride all year round. I think rules are good, and I would rather too many rules than not enough. That way you know where you stand!

Sorry for the long post!