Livery yards, all the same?

Horses24-7

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Over the past 3 years ive moved my horse 3 times due to not being happy with my livery yard. The main problem I have is that YO clearly don't see me as a paying customer, ive always been made to feel like They are doing me a favour rather than someone who pays for a service.

It's just loads of little things that build up e.g. Lighting not being replaced, not being able to put hay out in fields so u are forced to pay for ur horse to be brought in early, charging u for extras that have not been previously agreed etc.

I need my horse somewhere that can offer flexible part/full liv when needed, but on the last 3 yards it's like your asking for them to do it for free! Surely that's their income!

I honestly feel like it's spoiling my hobby which I sacrifice a lot financially for and I've even considered selling up!

What are all ur yards like? Or is it just me expecting too much!?
 
I've had the same problem in the past, but finally found a fantastic yard where things get done and nothing is too much trouble. YO makes you feel like you're the most important customer (ok, she does love my horse nearly as much as I do, which helps!), and always goes to extra effort to make sure things are done in the same way I would do them. I've always hated going on holiday and leaving my horse to other people - I have stable/tidiness OCD and am incredibly fussy. I came back from my last holiday and couldn't find a single thing to complain about. High praise coming from me! I make much more use of the extra help than I ever have before, so I'm less tired and have more freedom to do non-horsey things without worrying about it.

Not all yards are the same, but the good ones are hard to find!
 
Its awful when you cant find a yard to suit. We run a yard in Lancashire and quite often go out of our way to accomodate everyones differing needs. All the horses and owners are treated as individuals and I feel its shocking that when you have asked for full livery etc its not been acceptable on the yard owners part, as you have said its their livelihood and if its something they can't do they should make it clear it is purely DIY and any additional help is to be organised independently.

Maybe if you put on here the area you are looking in someone could recomend some yards as I know there is another thread going where people are praising the good nature and help they have received from their YO's during this bad weather.
 
Horses24-7 That is what its like on most yards tbh I do wonder myself the same thing as when I go to work I deal with customers and try to have a successful business by making my customers feel important and making their lives as easy as possible.

Why so many yards act like you are they are doing you a huge favour is beyond me but Im so so used to it now I just nod, smile have fun with my horses and go home. For me to go to another yard would mean less grazing for my horses and a longer commute every day so I sacrifice.

I do think when you put the shoe on the other foot that yo's and ym's put up with an enermous amount of aggro from liveries esp on big yards that it ruins their attitude and makes things harder for the decent liveries! My ym always says that diy yards are a recipe for disaster and that all yards should be full or at least part livery to maintain standards BUT in the real world alot of people couldnt afford their horses in that way (me included).
 
My ym always says that diy yards are a recipe for disaster and that all yards should be full or at least part livery to maintain standards BUT in the real world alot of people couldnt afford their horses in that way (me included).

DIYers want the most for less money and are less flexiable compared to full livery clients on the whole, of course they are always acceptions to the rule.

:)
 
Swings and roundabouts.

Yes, you are a paying customer, but, your YO is NOT your slave either. A little respect and flexibility on both sides goes a long way. I find that stepping back and thinking about that old cliche "walk a mile in another man's boots" is no bad thing sometimes. I'd love for someone to swap places with me for a day occasionally. Perhaps bring all these niggles up in conversation and they can be cleared up amicably?

Maybe YO has a reason for not doing the things that annoy you, as for the light bulb, well, ask if they have a replacement so that you can change it, that would shame me into doing it if it had gone to the bottom of the list.

Things like that happen to a YO sometimes, you have a 'to do list' for the day. Light bulb could be at the top.

*You go to check horses, and find that X has broken a fence which needs mending - now! (Light bulb slides to #2)

*Y has a cut that requires bringing in and attending to (another 30 minutes gone. Lightbulb slips to #3) the tracks to the field need clearing, but the tractor/quad won't start/has a flat so that has to be fixed (LB slides to #4) before you can clear the tracks to get to the broken fence, then XYZ and A's owners all turn up at the same time asking questions, wanting to chat. (LB slithers to #5)

*By which time you are a block of ice and really need to come in for a coffee and 20 minutes on here (LB plummets further to #6) , then the phone goes (LB --> #7)

*Then someone else turns up wanting you or to tell you that "the fence is broken (yes, I KNOW! Thankyou) that the tracks aren't clear (because I haven't had time to mend the vehicle to clear the tracks to get to the broken fence) and isn't it a lovely day with the blue sky and sun shining?" (Oh is it?, I've been so busy running around in circles with a broom up my backside I hadn't had time to notice) "Oh, and did you notice that the bulb in my stall has blown?" Groundhog Day anyone?:D

I love my Boarders really, but there are days.

Anyway, apologies, I digress

You said...
[charging u for extras that have not been previously agreed etc]
[it's like your asking for them to do it for free! Surely that's their income!]

But, but, if they are extras and you don't expect to pay for them, then you are asking them to do it for free surely?

I think you have the right approach though, if you aren't happy then you are right to move, better for all concerned, I am sure you'll find the best yard for your requirements in the end.

Good Luck;)
 
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There are good yards out there unfortunatly I haven't encountered them yet!

Perhaps your best bet is too post on here about needing a new yard due to YO and people can give you their experiences at certain yards so you know more about it before you sign a contract.

Best of luck its such a pain we just gave up now and are sticking where we are
 
I feel your pain and understand completely what you're saying, mine has been on loan for the past year to compete because of my wedding and what a bloody wonderful year its been, for me and for her ! Money better spent on good riding lessons after which I can wave goodbye until the following week :p as much as I truly love and miss my pony she will be going back out on permanent loan to do what she enjoys when she comes home (I wouldn't ever sell her!)

You're right, It does cost an awful lot and moving yards if you're not happy is very stressful on its own without bad yard owners or the joyful liveries that tut tut and tell you off because your cob is god forbid turned out in November, I've come to the conclusion that it is not worth it anymore.

Nothing fun about working a 40 hour week, paying a £400 livery bill + shoes worming lessons and so on if you're not happy or being treated well enough.
 
The yard I'm at is very nice.

I have individual turnout for my two. Many good yards offer this, and it is such a huge relief having it. I can hay as I please, and my horses don't run the risk of getting kicked by someone elses! You usually have to pay extra for individual turnout, but I wouldn't be at any yard who couldnt offer it.

I think running a livery yard is hard work, and there are more yards barely scraping through to cover their costs, than there are making decent profits. I do repairs myself if they affect me. If my horse breaks his fence, I repair it, etc.
It's hard to comment not knowing the yard, what you pay, etc, but in my experience if you want 7 star facilities and service you have to pay 7 star prices.

Also, managing a smart, well run livery yard, with DIY horses is difficult. Our YO has a contract which states all DIY owners to attend to their horse at least twice a day (unless they have assisted livery). Turn out and bring in have to be done within certain windows of time each day (unless you're riding, or its on box rest), stables have to be made before 11am each day. If an owner is late, it's all done and they are charged. By noon every day all the boxes at our yard are prepared and the yard is swept and immaculate. The horses at our yard are very settled and have a solid routine. We also all know where we stand, and if we oversleep or are held up in traffic we know we'll be charged and there's no arguments!
 
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Good yards are out there, when I first got George (my first horse so very inexperienced) I ended up moving yards 3 times in 10 months :eek: I was beginning to think it was me and it was spoiling my horse owning dream :(

But at the third yard I struck lucky and have been there nearly 3 years now. George is on full livery the YO's are lovely and the YM is brilliant and I never ever worry when I go away, even when I have a 2 week holiday :)

When George got colic a while ago he had to have all of his bed and hay taken out and I was on my own, so I started doing it and the YO (not horsey) came out and said he would do that so I could walk George quietly round :) after staying for a few hours I said I would be back in the late eve and in the night to check George (20 min drive each way) and the YO said don't be ridiculous I will check him (although not horsey he knows what to look for) and ring you :)

Also when the weather is really bad the YM gets to the yard and then just stays with the YOs so she knows she will be there to sort the horses out and not stuck in the snow at home.

We also have only had about 2 days in the 3 years I've been there when the horses haven't been turned out.

So don't give up great yards do exist :)
 
I too feel the OPs pain!

One of the reasons that I don't have a riding horse (2 retirees) now is that I can't find a yard in a 10 mile radius of my house that I would be happy to put a horse in.

I'm not that fussy :o just have certain things that are essential, turnout being the main one.....and you'd think I'm asking for the moon. I'm quite happy to pay the bills but I won't tolerate being lied to or being charged for a service that isn't received. I have no problem if someones having a bad day, it happens to us all but if every day is a bad day?

I don't expect any yard owner to be perfect or to work for free (why would I? I wouldn't work for nothing either) I understand that my minor issues might not be an immediate priority but I do expect that the basics are treated as a priority, things like water, fencing and basic safety. Is that unreasonable? If they have offered turnout/bring in as part of the livery but suddenly decide that since they now have 2 new horses that they don't 'have time' and 'oh btw the livery is going up as my hay bill is going to be higher'. Great, pay more for less that's professional isn't it? Funny part was that they then complained about me going up to turn out at 5am - well, the reason for that is that I work 40 miles away and have a 6:30am start:confused: it's how I could afford to pay livery......

That was one very spescul YO but she is far from unique in South Essex sadly...

The yard I was at for 10 years now has 26 horses on 8 acres (grass livery) and they get the ice broken on the one water trough once a day and 6 bales of hay a day in this weather.....change of management *sigh* They usually kill 3 or 4 a winter but it's always an accident:(

Yes I'm cynical but my 2 retirees now live nearly a 100 miles away on livery and I miss them dreadfully. It's 25 years since I've not had a horse to at least look after and fuss but the decision was taken for their benefit not mine.
 
Swings and roundabouts.

Yes, you are a paying customer, but, your YO is NOT your slave either. A little respect and flexibility on both sides goes a long way. I find that stepping back and thinking about that old cliche "walk a mile in another man's boots" is no bad thing sometimes. I'd love for someone to swap places with me for a day occasionally. Perhaps bring all these niggles up in conversation and they can be cleared up amicably?

Maybe YO has a reason for not doing the things that annoy you, as for the light bulb, well, ask if they have a replacement so that you can change it, that would shame me into doing it if it had gone to the bottom of the list.

Things like that happen to a YO sometimes, you have a 'to do list' for the day. Light bulb could be at the top.

*You go to check horses, and find that X has broken a fence which needs mending - now! (Light bulb slides to #2)

*Y has a cut that requires bringing in and attending to (another 30 minutes gone. Lightbulb slips to #3) the tracks to the field need clearing, but the tractor/quad won't start/has a flat so that has to be fixed (LB slides to #4) before you can clear the tracks to get to the broken fence, then XYZ and A's owners all turn up at the same time asking questions, wanting to chat. (LB slithers to #5)

*By which time you are a block of ice and really need to come in for a coffee and 20 minutes on here (LB plummets further to #6) , then the phone goes (LB --> #7)

*Then someone else turns up wanting you or to tell you that "the fence is broken (yes, I KNOW! Thankyou) that the tracks aren't clear (because I haven't had time to mend the vehicle to clear the tracks to get to the broken fence) and isn't it a lovely day with the blue sky and sun shining?" (Oh is it?, I've been so busy running around in circles with a broom up my backside I hadn't had time to notice) "Oh, and did you notice that the bulb in my stall has blown?" Groundhog Day anyone?:D

I love my Boarders really, but there are days.

Anyway, apologies, I digress

You said...
[charging u for extras that have not been previously agreed etc]
[it's like your asking for them to do it for free! Surely that's their income!]

But, but, if they are extras and you don't expect to pay for them, then you are asking them to do it for free surely?

I think you have the right approach though, if you aren't happy then you are right to move, better for all concerned, I am sure you'll find the best yard for your requirements in the end.

Good Luck;)

Well said, I know just how you feel.
 
I've actually never had a good livery experience. Each and every yard has always just been horrid. When you not being treated like a nobody, or bitched at. People are touching and taking stuff that belongs to you. It got to the stage that when i was back from college after two weeks and all i wanted to do was see my horse and i was scared to go up. I've been very lucky to be able to move the horses to my house where we're all very happy now, I'd never go back to livery yards again!
 
I run a small luxury yard with just five full/part livery clients. They are all lovely people and so are their horses. The horses are treated like my own (actually they have the better stables), and want for nothing. I look after them and my own two, single handed. So in this weather it's a job and a half seven days a week. I try to accommodate everyone's needs, but at the same time, they need to fit into the workings of the yard for the relationship to work. In the past, I have had a couple of clients who have made me feel uneasy at my own home, just by being unfriendly or treating me as inferior because they saw themselves as the paying customer. Whilst this can work fine at large yards with staff, it is not the kind of customer that tends to fit in well at small homely yards like ours. I would give notice to any client who made me feel that way. Not that I have needed to for many years, as my customers are brilliant and love the way I look after their horses. Two of them travel over an hour each way just to keep their horses here and I very rarely have a vacancy. So to be truthful, if I had a customer who took the attitude of complaining every time a bulb wasn't changed then I wouldn't want them here.
 
I think you get what you pay for. I used to have two horses on part-livery (mucking out/turn-out/bring-in/feeding - all feeding and bedding included) for £85 per week per horse. They were 40 miles away, so I only got up four times a week to see them and ride, and by the time I had got there, brushed, ridden and got home after work, it was nearly 10pm.
I now have them both 4 miles away (5-10 minute drive, traffic dependant) on a totally DIY yard. It's so DIY that you pay the farmer and you get on with it. You cannot pay for any services as he doesn't offer any. However it only costs me £25 per week per horse including good haylage, good flat turnout, and a floodlit rubber school. I know I don't have the option of asking for anything to be done, but my horses are both happier and healthier than they have been in ages. I'm not saying that I'll stay there forever, but this is the first time since having the horses, that I've stopped looking for other yards. So DIY can work, but it depends on the facilities and the other people on the yard and I don't have issues with any people on my yard - sure, they probably talk behind my back, but with my rhino hide it doesn't penetrate!
 
I'm afraid it is like this on most yards. It isn't as bad if you are on DIY as you can look after your horse how you want to. I feel like I am being fussy but in my eyes nobody can look after them in the way I do. I won't be completely happy until I have them at home (which hopefully I will be able to do this summer!) :)
 
Thanks for all ur replies, I do understand how difficult it is for yard owners but I have honestly been waiting 6 weeks for a new strip light in my stable! My husband took it down so he could get the right size and I've been asking ever since, I have given up now:( the ym actually told me I didn't really need a new one anyway as I was near the door to the barn.

I think the main problems have arisen since they took on loads more liveries and have 1 member of staff. I think they were hoping it would be easy money but can't cope with the demand etc.

I am a busy workin mum and the horses are my time to chill out, I like to go down do my horse and come away. I honestly wud pay for services used but when things such as charges for putting hay in etc when another livery has done it as I had prearranged take the Mick.

I live in the trowel area of ilkeston derby if anyone has any recommendations of yards? It needs to be local so I can get out to ride etc in the eve in summer once the babies are in bed and daddy is home! ;)

Keep ur comments coming! Much appreciated x
 
The yard I'm at is very nice.

I have individual turnout for my two. Many good yards offer this, and it is such a huge relief having it. I can hay as I please, and my horses don't run the risk of getting kicked by someone elses! You usually have to pay extra for individual turnout, but I wouldn't be at any yard who couldnt offer it.

I think running a livery yard is hard work, and there are more yards barely scraping through to cover their costs, than there are making decent profits. I do repairs myself if they affect me. If my horse breaks his fence, I repair it, etc.
It's hard to comment not knowing the yard, what you pay, etc, but in my experience if you want 7 star facilities and service you have to pay 7 star prices.

Also, managing a smart, well run livery yard, with DIY horses is difficult. Our YO has a contract which states all DIY owners to attend to their horse at least twice a day (unless they have assisted livery). Turn out and bring in have to be done within certain windows of time each day (unless you're riding, or its on box rest), stables have to be made before 11am each day. If an owner is late, it's all done and they are charged. By noon every day all the boxes at our yard are prepared and the yard is swept and immaculate. The horses at our yard are very settled and have a solid routine. We also all know where we stand, and if we oversleep or are held up in traffic we know we'll be charged and there's no arguments!

Oooer, that yard sounds like my idea of hell.
 
DIYers want the most for less money and are less flexiable compared to full livery clients on the whole, of course they are always acceptions to the rule.

:)

stands on soap box!

i dont think DIYers are unflexible, dont get me wrong ive been at a few not "perfect" yards (being diplomatic here) but i have always made the best of any situation i have kept my horse in. My worst experince was being at a yard where i was the only DIY and everyone else full and they expecting me to do favours for them to save them paying extra because i would be up anyway!! with no give back in other direction. I am at the most lovely yard at present where half are on full and half on DIY, i help out YO if i can and would never expect to get any services i didnt pay for, my horse is my responsability and he comes first.

OP there are great yards out there with lovely YO's they are unfortunately very hard to find! hope you are successful on your search :)
 
No they're not (I'm DIY by the way)

8 months on, I am still reeling at the novelty of paying money and in return getting services and having a yard owner who is approachable and not only present on the yard because she wants to have a pop about some unintentional minor misdemeanour. The "fairy" who comes and takes the muck heap away, repairs being made when things break, not necessarily immediately but promptly. Fences not being allowed to completely collapse before getting repaired... It's incredible!!!! Oh, and not constantly being told, "if anyone asks, you tell them they're my horses you're looking after for me", or "tell them I let you keep your horses here for free, because you can't afford livery" FFS!!!! (Strictly Cash at that place LOL)

OK, its still not perfect (is anywhere?), but if you have a legitimate moan (other liveries not sweeping up after themselves for example) it is dealt with quickly and fairly by the YO. We all have lockable tack rooms/stores we share with 1 or 2 others, and thieving is not a problem. Oh and most important of all, we can have our own fields if we don't want to share and within reason we can do what we want in them. Electric fencing, haying etc etc.

No services offered by the yard, but there is a lady who keeps her horse there that will do them for you. That works absolutely fine, its only the ones who know full well they can't get there but don't make prior arrangements, just send a text at the last minute who run into problems there, which is not unreasonable.

I know how lucky I am.
 
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I totally feel your pain my poor girly moved 4 times in the first year I had her because of various reasons mainly linked to bad management. The yard I was at when I bought my first horse were great for novice owners as they could get you to do things their way but if you didn't you were made to feel you were lucky they allowed you to stay certainly not like you were a valid customer.

The first couple of yards I kept my girl at were run almost as hobbies by the yard managers and no assistance was offered which suited me, however they were really badly run from the point of view of maintenance, unsecure fencing or badly managed grazing which is more or less why I left and made the decision that my next yard would be run as a proper business.

My current yard is fabulous it does cost me £50 a month more as they only do assisted DIY but it is worth every penny. One of the yard managers or their staff is there most of the day everyday, they do offer additional services which you are given a full pricelist for when you arrive and 1 bring in or turnout is included in the price. I have to say that it is the least bitchy yard I have been on aswell because the YMs are very approachable and open so no one needs to moan and just generally seems much happier. They have bent over backwards to help me and my mare settle in and in return I help them whenever I can with bringing in other horses or bringing down water while the pipes are frozen.

I have to say I feel very lucky to have found this place and think I appreciate it even more because of the bad service I have had in the past :-)

Basically I would say try and find a yard that is run as a proper business and in my experience you will hopefully find something that suits.
 
Definately not. I work on a yard where the clients/horses really do come first and YO always goes the extra mile. Its a small yard so more 'possible' than on bigger ones, but yes they do exist!
 
I am a busy workin mum and the horses are my time to chill out, I like to go down do my horse and come away. I honestly wud pay for services used but when things such as charges for putting hay in etc when another livery has done it as I had prearranged take the Mick.

Can I just ask whether your yard has the same policy as our last one did regarding helping out other liveries namely that you can't do it. A lot of Livery yards have this policy for both insurance purposes and to stop potential conflict between liveries.

Because if they do have this policy then they are basically reinforcing it with you by charging you for the service that was provided (irrespective of who did it). If you are going to have to pay your YO for the service anyway, then the probability is that you will actually get the YO to earn the money !
 
yards are awful! i have some really bad experiences to the point i nearly didnt get another horse after i lost the mare in the photo.

we had yard not giving my horse hay, refusing to give full water, bitching the lot i have seen!
You will find the yard but its hard i even had 1 yard tell me i could only go on yard between 10-12 n 4-6 after i complained i found my horse without hay or water after she txt me to say he was all done

keep ya chin up and ask friends where they are! the horse world is small and soon you will find a good yard like i have but believe me its been a long time coming for me and my boy
xxgood luckxx
 
You'll be pleased to know that not all yards arethe same. Don't get me wrong I've been on yards where the livery was fantastic during the honeymoon period and then went down hill very quickly and my horse was not looked after despite paying for full livery.

I persevered and tried talking to YO although she thought it was acceptable to keep a horse in for days without being brushed or having rugs changed!!

On the other hand I am on a fantastic yard now. The YOs, YM and staff are all friendly and professional and do their best to accommodate both the horses and owners. My girl is getting first class care, she's got a routine that suits her, they notice if she cuts herself or isn't eating etc etc. The only issue I have is that the yard is an hour away from home but because I work away so much I need to know she's OK.

The yard I'm on only offer full livery but they do a fantastic job!
 
Thanks for all ur replies, I do understand how difficult it is for yard owners but I have honestly been waiting 6 weeks for a new strip light in my stable! My husband took it down so he could get the right size and I've been asking ever since, I have given up now:( the ym actually told me I didn't really need a new one anyway as I was near the door to the barn.

I think the main problems have arisen since they took on loads more liveries and have 1 member of staff. I think they were hoping it would be easy money but can't cope with the demand etc.

I am a busy workin mum and the horses are my time to chill out, I like to go down do my horse and come away. I honestly wud pay for services used but when things such as charges for putting hay in etc when another livery has done it as I had prearranged take the Mick.

I live in the trowel area of ilkeston derby if anyone has any recommendations of yards? It needs to be local so I can get out to ride etc in the eve in summer once the babies are in bed and daddy is home! ;)

Keep ur comments coming! Much appreciated x

That really is unreasonable of the YO, so I quite understand. If a light is missing in a stable then that is a priority to me if the owner comes up at night. Lighting is a sore point for me at the moment as I am having trouble with the bulk head lights that light up the yard. There are four dusk till dawn lighs and only one works. They cost me £12 each and I am on my third set in as many weeks! Obviously a faulty batch but each time I have to phone the supplier and wait until they send replacements, so I think if any of my liveries complained it would just add to my frustration. Strip lights in the stable though, are an essential thing for the owners to rely on and can easily be purchased from B&Q so there really is no excuse.

Good luck in finding a better yard. :)
 
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No definately not, I am on my 4rd yard, the first we dont even talk about and stayed 2 weeks ! the second was pretty good but closed, the next the YO was lovely but didnt know enough and didnt offer what was promised and I just didnt get the service I paid for I had to go up several evenings a week on full livery ( after finishing work at 8 after 12 hour day ) to check he was ok, he was left in for no good reason because it was too much hassle to turn out sometime and I got really really stressed, if needed any treatment I had to do it - ie cuts washing etc. was on the point of giving up and loaning out but moved on and am now am so happy on my current yard - nothing is too much trouble - minor stuff doesnt get done sometimes but I know this is coz they are busy and other things take priority, My horse is very happy and YO loves him. I can concentrate on my family and demanding job while still enjoying my horse when I can and I cant beleive the difference it has made. they are out there. good luck and dont give up looking - mine wasnt even advertised I just rang up on spec and YO moved horses round to fit me in.
 
Thanks all, I'm in trowel, ilkeston in derby if anyone knows anywhere?

We are allowed to help each others liveries out, so just clearly lied to :confused:

To add insult to injury had her on full livery the other day, went down the following morn and no word of a lie had to take 7 wheelbarrows out of the stable, don't think she had even been mucked out, she had not a scrap of hay and no water. Even though they use my hay/straw from outside my stable so it's not like it costs them more to put it in! I bet they won't forget to add it to my bill though :mad:

Going to have a drive round some yards locally, but they ALL seem nice when u first go etc. But will take a list of q's to check off! Lol x
 
Oooer, that yard sounds like my idea of hell.

We are all different :)

My idea of hell would be a DIY yard that is a free for all. Stables not being mucked out until tea time. An unswept messy yard. Horses kicking the doors and going nuts waiting for late owners to turn up. People giving their horses feeds at all hours of the day in front of others which creates havoc. Many horses having no solid routine. Having to struggle and fight your way through the fields whilst trying to avoid being ambushed and kicked by other peoples horses who are wanting to come in...
I've briefly been at yards like that, and I much prefer the serene order of the one I'm at now. ;)
 
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