Making a small yard viable

I think it depends on what services you offer. We have 11 boxes but only ever fill 8 maximum, we only offer full or five day livery, so it works out well, we would be out of pocket if we offered DIY or anything under 5 day full livery. It also makes things easier for us as we know exactly what we need to order and do work wise.
Our fees are fully inclusive, and cover enough for emergencies eg extra bedding/hay etc or anything else that might cost more than normal expences.
 
PS - and I forgot to add that we run the business as a couple, with no staff at the moment, but one of us has a second occasional job, so the yard does not supply our only income.
 
No idea of the numbers as it depends what facilities and area on what you can charge, but if you are thinking of renting the yard I would say definitely full livery... diy or similar will not earn you anything at all with all the other costs. This depends on your riding though as you will have to be good to ride the other horses for clients. Part will be all the work looking after the horse but none of the riding the next best option.

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If it was a very small yard then you would need more full liveries. Probably a minimum of 20 boxes. You have to take into consideration commercial rates etc. There is also the question of planning permissions ie to use it as a commercial yard not private if you haven't already done so. I would probably go on a 70 / 30 split in terms of full / diy livery.

Have had this headache in the past...
 
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