Paying a retainer for a livery place

debsflo

debsflo

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I have got a space on a nice small livery yard but am yet to find a horse. I really don't want to lose it as they are in short supply and there is a waiting list ..part livery 7 days which includes everything but riding and fab facilities is £90 a week. What do people normally pay as a retainer. Aware they can't be out of pocket as its a business ...
 
I've normally paid the full amount! Like you say, it's their business and livelihood and they may be able to find a different livery who could move straight on and pay from Day 1. Maybe other yards are different and accept less but that's never been my experience. Glad you've found a nice place, that's almost as hard as finding the horse!

Happy horse hunting :)
 
Probably the same as if you had a horse, maybe a little less (so full space maybe pay for part or somewhere between the two). I'd guess they may be a bit more flexible if only a week or so, but indefinitely I'd say you're probably looking near enough full price, otherwise it would make more economical sense to find someone else.
 
If they do diy livery I'd offer that rate as that is essentially stable rent.
However be prepared to pay full price if there is a waiting list
 
When I was in a similar position I told them how much I appreciated a place on their yard, and said I was happy to pay the full price, or whatever they thought fair.

What they thought fair was less than full price, so I paid that, and reiterated that I would pay full price rather than lose my place.

In reality even full price often sees them missing out, as you will not be paying for any "extras" such as feed, bedding, forage, extra services etc, so even at "full price" they may monetarily be missing out.
 
I've reserved a box on a yard and am due to move there in 3 weeks when I have served notice at my current yard. My new yard owner asked for £20 per week.
 
I paid half the livery charge when I was looking, on the basis that I wasn't (yet) paying for the grazing but only for the box. When I bought the horse, I paid a month in advance for livery.
 
I just charge £100 a month I even refund it off their first livery bill. I have a very small yard and getting the right people and horses means more to me than the money. If someone would really fit in well to the yard and I like them, then those are my terms. If I don't like them then I tell them I have promised someone else first refusal, or that I don't think the yard would be suitable for them.
 
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