Questions to ask new YM?

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Parkranger

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Going to put deposit on new yard today.

So far I know the following:

It will cut my daily commute down from one hour to 15 mins!
There's 247 turnout in the summer
Geldings and mares are separate (not my ideal, but I guess there's less problems this way)
Indoor school
Outdoor school, lunge school
Boxes are next to each other
She'll turn the boys out for me in the morning
There is the option of muck out etc on some days if needed

What else do I need to ask? I always forget what to ask when I join a yard!
 
What hours they're happy with you being at the yard?
Do you have to book the school?
How are they about you bringing instructors in?
Do you have to poo pick or do they do it for you? If you have to do it whats the regime? (WW3 started in our yard over poo picking!)
 
First question I always ask:
Hacking!! But I love hacking.
Make sure you have a contract too, and a worming programme
grin.gif
 
About bringing in - do they all come in at the same time- will a horse be left out on it's own if you are a little bit late. do you have to book the school. are there lots of loose kids on the yard. What about dogs - are loose dogs allowed - if yes - run a mile!!!

Check for mud in the gateways and the depth. Check for Barb wire in the fencing - and check how good the fencing is and what bits of dead machinery are littered around the fields.
 
What is policy on ragwort - ie does yard clear it or liveries?

Does first person on yard in mornings do all breakfasts?

Is there a policy regarding insurance for all liveries? (in case someone else's horse damages your property).

What are rules on quarantine on arrival/worming etc?

Yard sounds lovely, good luck!
 
The most important thing is the adequte (at the very least) health, safety, welfare and security of your horse whilst in their establishment and under their care.

You want a horse that you can go back to at the end of the day that you know is adequately cared for in your absence.

The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) - provide an advisory publication - Code of Practice for Livery Yards - "Livery Yard owners and those looking for a livery yard in which to keep their horse or pony are recommended to read the Code of Practice for Livery Yards prepared by BEVA, BHS, ILPH & RSPCA on behalf of the Industry."

see: http://www.newc.co.uk/advice/livery.php and http://www.newc.co.uk/advice/Codeofpracticeforliveryyards-Sept2006.pdf.pdf

Use your eyes as you go in and look around does it look and is your gut feeling that it is safe? Do you feel youwill be happy there?

walk the indoor/outdoor schools - do they have adequate surfaces - particularly depth (I've seen some that look okay and then found just a scant covering on a concrete surface)?

Are the turnout areas free of poo/ragwort/rubish etc? Well fenced? Fences in good order? If electric fencing is used is it wide tape rather than just the string?

From reports I get - fire safety is a big issue. Is there evidence of a fire procedure, extinguishers, a means of raising the alarm? Is arson a problem in the area? They should have undertaken fire and arson risk assessments. Ask about health and safety - is there anything that you should know about? Any risk assessments they want to share with you?

Do they have staff - what is their competence level? (we neraly lost a pony because the staff didn't on duty didn't recognise the signs of colic)

Is there somewhere for you to go to the loo and wash your hands?

What happens if there is an accident - is there a first aid box? A first aider around?

What about security - what happens over night?

Unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world. It would be great if every establishnment were able to meet their legal requirements. Sadly many fall below that level. Very often there aren't enough yards around so you are stuck for chioce.

Some of the questions above aren't easy to ask so them tease out where you can - and hopefully you'll find the yard is suitable.

I'll finish where I started:

The most important thing is the adequte (at the very least) health, safety, welfare and security of your horse whilst in their establishment and under their care.

You want a horse that you can go back to at the end of the day that you know is adequately cared for in your absence.

Good luck - hope this helps.
 
Already lots of good questions. Do you have buy from yard re bedding and hay, do you have to pay for schoollights, how much space do you get for storage. Repairs.
 
I have been making a list of questions to ask YM's as I am off on a tour of livery yards on friday (in fact I think I may be visiting the one that you are putting a deposit at!) Anyway, I am copying and pasting my list. You probably have most of this, but just in case it jogs parts of the memory:

- who is responsible for buying feed/choice of retailer
- is flexible diet possible
- are there regimented feeding times
- how much is hay/is there choice of retailer

- is there a dust-free environment
- is rubber matting allowed
- how much do shavings/other beddings cost

- is the turnout all year
- is there option of 24/7 summer turnout
- how many acres/horses
- quality of winter turnout
- when are horses turned out and brought in
- quality of fencing
- who is responsible for poo-picking
- how are horses introduced to the herd

- is the yard and tackroom secure
- is there someone on site 24/7
- are access times to the stables restricted

- how much demand is there on the school
- is there a booking system in place
- is jumping allowed
- are own instructors allowed
- access to local hacking

- is there a yard vet
- is there a yard farrier (costs?)
- who determines the worming routine

- how many staff are employed
- what extra services are available
- how much do they cost
- is horsebox/trailer parking possible
- is holiday cover possible

- do other liveries compete or hack
- how many children are on the yard
- are any competition venues in hacking distance

- is it possible to see yard policy document
- any other hidden charges
- requirements for deposit
- requirements for passport
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have been making a list of questions to ask YM's as I am off on a tour of livery yards on friday (in fact I think I may be visiting the one that you are putting a deposit at!) Anyway, I am copying and pasting my list. You probably have most of this, but just in case it jogs parts of the memory:

- who is responsible for buying feed/choice of retailer
- is flexible diet possible
- are there regimented feeding times
- how much is hay/is there choice of retailer

- is there a dust-free environment
- is rubber matting allowed
- how much do shavings/other beddings cost

- is the turnout all year
- is there option of 24/7 summer turnout
- how many acres/horses
- quality of winter turnout
- when are horses turned out and brought in
- quality of fencing
- who is responsible for poo-picking
- how are horses introduced to the herd

- is the yard and tackroom secure
- is there someone on site 24/7
- are access times to the stables restricted

- how much demand is there on the school
- is there a booking system in place
- is jumping allowed
- are own instructors allowed
- access to local hacking

- is there a yard vet
- is there a yard farrier (costs?)
- who determines the worming routine

- how many staff are employed
- what extra services are available
- how much do they cost
- is horsebox/trailer parking possible
- is holiday cover possible

- do other liveries compete or hack
- how many children are on the yard
- are any competition venues in hacking distance

- is it possible to see yard policy document
- any other hidden charges
- requirements for deposit
- requirements for passport

[/ QUOTE ]

How exciting! letme know if you go for the same yard. Decided that gut instinct it's the right thing to do. Having them out 247 in the summer will be great and it seems like a friendly yard. Hacking is apparently great and my sharer knows the area so that's definately handy.

Thanksall !
grin.gif
 
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