Opening a Livery yard

[chaps89]

For all that everyone is saying not enough land, I’ve been on very few yards where it’s been more than an acre per horse it is of course the ideal and I would rather yards offer more turnout but in reality I tend to find this isn’t the case.
I keep two ponies on just under one and a half acres (and have done on 3 different yards over the years) with no trouble. Admittedly 16.2’s would be a different matter!
A lot will depend on what the ground is like - well draining land that can be used all year round will be more forgiving, clay will be a no go in winter, in which case all weather turnout areas will be fairly essential (more investment)
I’d consider more alternative options - grass livery for a small stable herd of 6, with the stables as back up options? Track livery perhaps? If you’ve got lots of hacking, could you maybe put planning in for log cabins or shepherds huts and bathroom facilities and do horsey holidays?

Honestly I don’t know how yards make more on part/full than diy.
There is of course economy of scale when feed/bedding/hay is bought in bulk (but of course you need to be able to store it) but on DIY it used to cost me
£150-225 livery
£70 per month hay (average. Some months more, some less)
£70 bedding (admittedly I’m fairly generous with bedding)
£10-20 feed
£385 total
Part livery here starts at £450pcm (down south in fairness it seems to be £650 up) if you add in the extra business rates and staff costs I can’t see much difference/room for profit.

How well do you know your local market? As an example, plenty of part/full livery yards where I am. Next to no grass or diy livery. Frequently posts on local pages looking for it though!

Will you be doing the horse care yourself or having someone in? If you have someone in, and you’re offering part/full livery, have you a plan for their days off or sickness cover?

 

[Polos Mum]

9 acres, with 10 stables and nice hacking will appeal to someone who wants to fully rent a sole use yard.

Of the 10 stables you'd need at least 2-3 for storage (hay, bedding, rugs, feed etc.) ignoring tack as that would need something secure. Then a box for grooming / washing off etc. so you could limit it to 5-6 horses (so the land doesn't get trashed).
One person (or a pair of friends) would be ideal - they can rent it fully, you don't have to lift a finger so your time / knowledge is irrelevant.

I would look at the DIY prices of your two local yards, x 6 for 6 horses and add 20% (or more) for sole use.

Around here (Yorkshire) it would be well over £1,000 a month without doing anything even without an arena (£40 x 6 horses x 4 weeks).

Not enough to live on but enough to supplement your income from a job nicely.

 

[Tarragon]

9 acres, with 10 stables and nice hacking will appeal to someone who wants to fully rent a sole use yard.

Of the 10 stables you'd need at least 2-3 for storage (hay, bedding, rugs, feed etc.) ignoring tack as that would need something secure. Then a box for grooming / washing off etc. so you could limit it to 5-6 horses (so the land doesn't get trashed).
One person (or a pair of friends) would be ideal - they can rent it fully, you don't have to lift a finger so your time / knowledge is irrelevant.

I like this plan