Please reassure me... livery yards?

a kind of magic

a kind of magic

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I've recently had my little bundle of joy (although he's 8 weeks old this Friday...god knows where the time has gone!). I also started riding again last Sunday after the all clear from the doctor.

We have currently got what can only be described as a small herd of horses. We have two on grazing livery sharing with one other person on a bigger farm and three together on three separate fields, two fields are next to each other but the third is a mile down a VERY busy road so we currently transport the horses to and from that field in a trailer. The third horse is moving to the farm whilst he's being sold.

All in all, for the money we're spending on the three fields we could get decent grass livery in the area for the two remaining horses. I am seriously considering it as there are many benefits to a yard and both these horses are green so a school would be of great use to me.

However...I haven't been on livery for a very long time so I am a bit nervous about the possibility of moving back to a yard. Please reassure me with your lovely livery stories! :)
 
Well, you obv need to pick the right one, but I'm at a lovely friendly yard and really enjoy the company. Spend many an hour sitting in the kitchen, or very occasionally out in the sun, drinking tea, eating biccies and talking horse nonsense.

Means there is generally someone to go for a hack with. Lots of advice, tips and nice natured gossip. And has been great for me having a new horse, as I found I actually had a bit of a confidence crisis getting a new horse as I was so used to my ole faithful. Have made new friends at all the yards I've been at and still in touch with many of them. Also means someone to keep an eye on your horse and take the burden off you.

Howzat :)
 
I find it really sociable, nice to have others to ride and chat with, love all the different horses and it means that most of the time someone will be around keeping an eye in case of any problems or emergencies.
 
I would only add, that you make sure the yard is 'child friendly'. Obviously, whilst your baby is so small it is contained and probably asleep a fair bit....Once he/she is up and moving and wanting to 'help', some livery yards aren't so accommodating!
 
Maisy said:
I would only add, that you make sure the yard is 'child friendly'. Obviously, whilst your baby is so small it is contained and probably asleep a fair bit....Once he/she is up and moving and wanting to 'help', some livery yards aren't so accommodating!
Click to expand...

I would echo this!
 
I have taken my 2 children to the yard to do the horses since they were just a few weeks old..just make sure that the owner is happy for you to bring your baby, and that you can park very close to your stable/field so if they are asleep in the car and you want to get on with your jobs, you can see them/the car.
I am also allowed to drive down to the field in my 4x4 to feed the horses and park up at the gate, i put the windows down too so the kids can see me and dont cry.
Be aware that if you put them in the buggy, the horses can get scared. Ours were fine, but i placed the buggy, well out of the path of any horses as they could become sitting ducks!
Lastly, have a look at the surroundings-our yard is quite contained (indoor stables), so i can close doors etc, as my 2 are toddlers now, they love exploring. Some yards i looked at had tractors/cars driving around at all times, so i worried incase one of them might run off when i wasnt looking
Hope that helps-congratulations and good luck! x
 
I would be very worried about any yard owner that allowed small toddlers to "help" on a yard. I have had this in the past (YO's small daughter) and it was a nightmare - I was so scared the child would get kicked as she was allowed to run around screaming and riding her trike near the horses. I would never go on a yard that allowed liveries to bring small children - or their dogs!! And be aware that leaving your child in the car is OK when it is mild weather - but it will soon get cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. Better to find a baby sitter and leave your baby at home:)
 
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