New Yard Owner Help

[zoe101982]

A friend of mine is looking to take on a livery yard for the 1st time. She will have 7 stables, two of which she will be using for her two, it also has 5.5 acres of grazing and a school. What would people advice to charge for livery? Plus if anyone has any other advice to a 1st time yard owner that would be really helpfull.

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

I would say she needs seriously think about her numbers as 5.5 acres of grazing is not a lot for 7 stables.
As for charge - it depends what type of livery she will offer, what she will provide, what the hacking is like, how easy it is to get to, where in the country it is etc...
And remember she will need legal things such as insurance for the yard.
Good luck to her!

 

[Tinypony]

Charge what other local liveries charge for similar facilities and services. On here you'll get costs thrown at you from all over the UK, many won't be relevant in your area.
My other advice would be good contracts. Deposits. Payment by standing order. Yard worming programme. Think about turnout, feeding and bringing in arrangements. Watch the grazing, it seems a bit tight for 7 horses. And good luck.

 

[Tinypony]

I've got 5.5 acres and I wouldn't keep more than 3 on the land, even though it's quite well drained. Surprising how quickly the grass can vanish.

 

[ecrozier]

Think its do-able but she needs to be aware and cost in that the horses won't be able to do 24/7 turn out ever, and she will need to restrict turnout quite heavily in the winter - poss to point of only doing am/pm. Thats more of an issue IME for DIY yards, if she is offering part/full liveries and can control fetch in and turnout times that should be more do-able. ALthough she could be much better to get some extra grazing if thats an option!