renting stables

[dwi]

we are thinking about buying a house with land at some point in the future and are considering whether we rent out the extra stables and grazing or buy a companion for Daisy

We are only looking up to about 7 acres at most so we would really only want one livery with maybe 1-3 horses. It wouldn't be about making money but about getting some company for Daisy. We have thought about getting a companion but then I wouldn't have time to ride two and do them both justice, I toyed with getting an eldery or rescue pony as a companion but then I wouldn't want to be spending a fortune on veteran supplements and vets bills when I could be spending that money on training and competing Daisy.

I know that alot of people on here will say that its stressful letting someone into your home but my husband and I both have management positions at work so we are used to dealing with other members of staff and awkward people. I like the idea of having someone to go hacking with and to keep an eye on Daisy for if we want to go away.

I had thought in the past that you could have one livery without it counting as a business and so having to pay business rates but is this still the case? Does it vary between local authorities and if so who do I contact at the council to find out?

Final question - would it cost me so much in insurance that it isn't worth it or is the insurance reasonable if you only have one livery?

 

[ihatework]

I'm sure it would work very well if you found the right person.
I am currently the renter in a very similar set up - house with 6 acres and 5 stables, owner has 1 horse, works and has a baby. I have my 2 horses there.
It works really, really well.

 

[tremorfa]

I have a similar setup-3 stables and 3 fields. We have rented out 2 stables for years and it works really well. We don't charge much and have never had any run in with the LA. We , like you, only want companions to hack out with and keep our boy company. It is also a good burglar deterrent-people parking in our front garden at all hours etc, so you never know when someone is in or not. We insist on our liveries doing the following-1) Insuring their horses, 2) regular worming, 3) poo-picking regularly. 4) because we charge so little, they are responsible for the upkeep of fencing(although we provide mains electric fencing) Set out rules at the beginning, to avoid any misunderstanding later. We have had a lot of liveries over the years and have only ever had to ask one person to leave. It is also a good arrangement because you can look after each other's horses when the need arises.