Private yards

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landf

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Some stables and land within walking distance of home have come up for rent, and I am seriously tempted by it. It's ideal, has 3 stables, 5 acres of well fenced good grass, mains water and electricity. Tack room and WC. The hacking round here is fantastic BUT it has no school....... However, I know of 2 yards within hacking distance, with schools that I'm sure I could hire. And there are plenty of flat areas in the grazing that I could use when the ground is dry. The big thing at the back of my mind is whether or not it would be a suitable set up to bring on a youngster as Charlie will be backed later this year.

I just wondered how those of you with a similar set up manage, especially in winter. Is it worth making sacrifices in order to have the yard to yourself? Financially, it will save me approx £100/mth on fuel even taking into account the extra rent (I currently do 168 miles/wk to current yard), but it would mean I would have to source a pony/ponies to keep Charlie company. Although, I have toyed with the idea of getting a pony for the children anyway, but that would have been much further in the future.

So, I'm looking for opinions, experiences, advice etc, etc.........
 
hi,

I rent a private yard and the pros far outweigh the cons, but I share it with my Mum which makes life easier. I have to admit it does have an arena which is very useful.

The horses are all sooo much more chilled out, all being fed, turned out, brought in at the same time. It has made a real difference.

The only drawbacks are not having anyone else to help out. So no holiday cover- me and my mum holiday separately so one of us is around to do the horses, we are lucky we can fit work, school runs etc around the horses.

We had to make sure the yard was close enough to home to get to if it snows, again because there is no onsite manager etc to throw hay over or check water. I traded my car in for a little 4x4 so we can definitely do the first mile there, then we can easily walk the last hilly bit if needs be!!

So go for it!
 
I rent a private yard with just stables, fieldshelter, grazing and storage, but no arena. Its perfect - but I am a happy hacker anyway. No problems with other liveries and I can do exactly as I please. The only downside is holiday/sickness cover but I can usually find a family member to help out if I'm stuck. If you need to find company for your horse, why dont you try sharing the yard with a friend? That way, you'll also get cover if you need it too.
 
ChristmasPixie said:
hi,
The horses are all sooo much more chilled out, all being fed, turned out, brought in at the same time. It has made a real difference.
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Exactly the opposite experience. Horse and small pony have totally different grazing needs so could not be turned out together as pony couldn't cope with muzzling - became very headshy. Ended up with horse in one paddock and pony in another. Horse wasn't bothered but pony hated being alone and became spooky. We have moved back to a medium sized livery yard where both can go out with appropriate companions and both are much happier and pony has totally relaxed again.
 
I love having own place, its only 2 acres & 2 stables but means I can do what I want, when I want!! No arena which I miss terribly as we have a youngster & an ex racer that is only just an ex racer so needs lots of work but I don't miss the livery costs or the bitching that goes on in them!! Agree with others about holiday/sickness but its just one of those compromises you have to make. The yard you said about sounds lovely, go for it, if you don't like it you can always go back to livery but at least you will have tried!! :)
 
i have my own yard with no menage or schooling area as the fields all slope. I have youngsters ;I back them in the paddock and school on the lanes. there are arenas to hire if need be. I've never had a menage but have backed and schooled several horses over the past 40 years. I suppose its what you are used to.
 
I have no experience of being on a private yard but have to say I would hate it myself. Part of being at my livery yard (43 horses) is that you interact with friends and always have lots of interesting things to discuss and people to ride with. Would you be okay with being on your own?

If you are thinking about getting a pony to keep the other one company surely this is additional pay out in terms of foot trimming/shoeing, worming, feeding, vacinations, tack, etc.

Not trying to put you off, just wondering if you'd thought about these things. If you choose to move I wish you all the best x
 
I would take the opportunity, many places have short term leases, but if you can sort out a rolling six months lease this should be fair to both parties.
You may not have the chance again. but make sure it is affordable.
 
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