Minnow
Member
What is your opinion? Running a diy shared grazing yard keeping everyone including your landlord happy. How to spot trouble makers who to believe. Tips welcome!
running a diy yard is harder than running the country
- Thread starter Minnow
- Start date
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
Agree very difficult!
I know YO's who say that DIY livery is far more difficult to organise than assisted or full etc.
Personally, I'd NEVER let anyone on the yard without signing an agreement first. Although its not worth the paper its written on (unfortunately), it does give a useful basis of what you as YO are offering and your responsibilities, plus gives the livery a good idea of what he/she is getting. The BHS do a very comprehensive one on their website - which really caters for a Full Livery situation more than DIY - but it is good to use as a basis and then add-in or subtract the bits that are applicable for your situation.
I'd always insist that every horse on the yard is insured for at least third party liability, but preferably including some veterinary cover and tack also.
Best thing is to try to be fair but firm from the outset. Sometimes people will try to take advantage if they see that you're not consistent, so you will need to be definate about what the livery includes and what it does not, i.e. feed, bedding, etc., plus have written confirmation about what happens in an emergency, for instance if something awful happens to one of the horses and you're unable to contact the owner, you need to get them to sign that you will call the vet immediately (at their cost) and if euthanisia is deemed appropriate then the vet will go ahead without them being present. I had to sign a declaration to this effect when mine was on working livery at a yard, and it is essential to have something like this written down and signed by the owner.
Also you need to say that DIY means DIY and that if you as YO have to feed, bring in/turn out, then the owner will be charged per service. We had one here who just left her horse in for twenty four hours without feeding and I had to use my hay and food for it. So be warned.
You also need to have determined the period of notice by both parties; and decide on what happens if a livery proves unsuitable and/or upsets other liveries, i.e. giving notice. These things can get very unpleasant unfortunately.
Yes running a DIY yard is not easy, BUT if you've got the right people it can be a real joy; I've got a lovely livery at the moment who is a pleasure to deal with and when you get someone like this it just somehow makes it all worthwhile.
But you need to be firm with yourself and don't let anyone on the yard (or their horses) who you're not totally happy with. Trust your gut instincts and don't be afraid to follow up references and ask for a deposit first.
Good luck!
I know YO's who say that DIY livery is far more difficult to organise than assisted or full etc.
Personally, I'd NEVER let anyone on the yard without signing an agreement first. Although its not worth the paper its written on (unfortunately), it does give a useful basis of what you as YO are offering and your responsibilities, plus gives the livery a good idea of what he/she is getting. The BHS do a very comprehensive one on their website - which really caters for a Full Livery situation more than DIY - but it is good to use as a basis and then add-in or subtract the bits that are applicable for your situation.
I'd always insist that every horse on the yard is insured for at least third party liability, but preferably including some veterinary cover and tack also.
Best thing is to try to be fair but firm from the outset. Sometimes people will try to take advantage if they see that you're not consistent, so you will need to be definate about what the livery includes and what it does not, i.e. feed, bedding, etc., plus have written confirmation about what happens in an emergency, for instance if something awful happens to one of the horses and you're unable to contact the owner, you need to get them to sign that you will call the vet immediately (at their cost) and if euthanisia is deemed appropriate then the vet will go ahead without them being present. I had to sign a declaration to this effect when mine was on working livery at a yard, and it is essential to have something like this written down and signed by the owner.
Also you need to say that DIY means DIY and that if you as YO have to feed, bring in/turn out, then the owner will be charged per service. We had one here who just left her horse in for twenty four hours without feeding and I had to use my hay and food for it. So be warned.
You also need to have determined the period of notice by both parties; and decide on what happens if a livery proves unsuitable and/or upsets other liveries, i.e. giving notice. These things can get very unpleasant unfortunately.
Yes running a DIY yard is not easy, BUT if you've got the right people it can be a real joy; I've got a lovely livery at the moment who is a pleasure to deal with and when you get someone like this it just somehow makes it all worthwhile.
But you need to be firm with yourself and don't let anyone on the yard (or their horses) who you're not totally happy with. Trust your gut instincts and don't be afraid to follow up references and ask for a deposit first.
Good luck!
Minnow
Member
Fab. Thanks for your reply. I have most of what you have said in place. The rest great advice. When you think you have a nice bunch it changes again worse than a job in catering! Or as a groom!
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Agree with the above advice.
Wanted to add, make sure that you stick to the above for people that you think of as friends too - they aren't always!!
We hated DIY livery when we did it, was much more trouble than it was worth!
Wanted to add, make sure that you stick to the above for people that you think of as friends too - they aren't always!!
We hated DIY livery when we did it, was much more trouble than it was worth!
Rose Folly
Well-Known Member
Funny, I was just thinking about this tonight, as I fed, hayed and rugged my two DIY !!! horses.
It's very difficult. I know in some ways I am being taken for a ride - excuse the pun - but on the other hand my liveries are lovely, I'm not getting any younger, and they are always very helpful.
But it's the money issue that's the rub - like the Exchequer. My liveries always do pay in the end - there has never had to be a nastiness. But only one pays as I would like - i.e. bay BAC into my account on the first of the month (I will have emailed her her feed costs on top of the rent on the last day of the month). The others, bless them, have endless money difficulties inspite of working hard. So the money almost never turns up on the day it is due, and sometimes it's "Can I owe you the other £20 till I get xxx."
I do indeed have written agreements with them, but I know they're genuine people so am patient. But \I do sometimes feel that the Inland Revenue or, indeed, your local clothes shop, would be extremely surprised if you tried to put off payment for an indeterminate amount of time.
The one thing I am adamant about and they do sign up to is that, in the event of a serious illness or injury to their horse in their absence, I will be guided by their vet as to what is the best outcome for that animal. Sadly it happened recently, when one of our livery horses broke its leg. We could not at first raise the owner, but I was able to produce the bit of paper to that effect for the vet, and we were proceeding on that basis when luckily the owner made contact.
At least there's one thing. If you're the YO they can't debunk you at the next election!
It's very difficult. I know in some ways I am being taken for a ride - excuse the pun - but on the other hand my liveries are lovely, I'm not getting any younger, and they are always very helpful.
But it's the money issue that's the rub - like the Exchequer. My liveries always do pay in the end - there has never had to be a nastiness. But only one pays as I would like - i.e. bay BAC into my account on the first of the month (I will have emailed her her feed costs on top of the rent on the last day of the month). The others, bless them, have endless money difficulties inspite of working hard. So the money almost never turns up on the day it is due, and sometimes it's "Can I owe you the other £20 till I get xxx."
I do indeed have written agreements with them, but I know they're genuine people so am patient. But \I do sometimes feel that the Inland Revenue or, indeed, your local clothes shop, would be extremely surprised if you tried to put off payment for an indeterminate amount of time.
The one thing I am adamant about and they do sign up to is that, in the event of a serious illness or injury to their horse in their absence, I will be guided by their vet as to what is the best outcome for that animal. Sadly it happened recently, when one of our livery horses broke its leg. We could not at first raise the owner, but I was able to produce the bit of paper to that effect for the vet, and we were proceeding on that basis when luckily the owner made contact.
At least there's one thing. If you're the YO they can't debunk you at the next election!
lottiepony
Well-Known Member
This is really interesting to read 
I used to run a livery yard from our old house and I certainly learnt a few things!
Firstly don't put up with people that cause problems I had one who caused a few people to leave so I asked her to leave - after that never had a problem with bitchyness or people leaving!
Also found that individual turnout saves on a lot of arguments over poo picking, I'm not overly a fan of it but it saved me from hearing people moan and you know who hasn't done it!
It's always good to have a proper contract with people even if they are friends. I dont think it's unreasonable to have it a requirment as to how you should be paid, especially now as like you say you dont always get paid on time. Perhaps basic rent charges paid via BAC's then the rest ie feed, bedding etc pay by a seperate bill in cash? It is naughty how people seem to think it's okay to wait to pay a livery bill.
We also used to have a gathering/meeting every now and again to all have a chat and raise any concerns, remind about yard rules etc found it worked really well.
Would love to be running a yard again and not sat behind this desk! Hopefully next year I'll get working outside again
I used to run a livery yard from our old house and I certainly learnt a few things! Firstly don't put up with people that cause problems I had one who caused a few people to leave so I asked her to leave - after that never had a problem with bitchyness or people leaving!
Also found that individual turnout saves on a lot of arguments over poo picking, I'm not overly a fan of it but it saved me from hearing people moan and you know who hasn't done it!
It's always good to have a proper contract with people even if they are friends. I dont think it's unreasonable to have it a requirment as to how you should be paid, especially now as like you say you dont always get paid on time. Perhaps basic rent charges paid via BAC's then the rest ie feed, bedding etc pay by a seperate bill in cash? It is naughty how people seem to think it's okay to wait to pay a livery bill.
We also used to have a gathering/meeting every now and again to all have a chat and raise any concerns, remind about yard rules etc found it worked really well.
Would love to be running a yard again and not sat behind this desk! Hopefully next year I'll get working outside again
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
I have never even kept a horse on a livery yard, but I am curious to know if there are any rules as to what consists of "good care." What do you do if someone doesn't come and feed/muck out, etc. or doesn't give enough food or have the feet done. Or what happens if they don't pay for a month or two or they just stop coming and you are left keeping the horse. I have seen somethreads like this, when YO wonder if they can sell the horse to cover the costs.
maresmaid
Well-Known Member
I'm not a livery yard owner but I do have my horse on DIY livery and I do accounting work for various local business' including a livery yard, my advice would be to stick to a VERY business like attutude to money right from the outset. State when the rent is due, in your contract and firmly say that unfortunately you are unable to flex this date. If "friends" find that you are relaxed about the odd £10 or £20 and think it's ok with you to pay later they will do just that, so you need to say right from day one that you have direct debits going out of your account on certain days so the money needs to be in on time - otherwise you may be forced to increase the livery fees to cover the bank charges that will be incurred if you go overdrawn, do not start to flex this rule as it gets very difficult to "un-flex" it later.
Rose Folly
Well-Known Member
Maresmaid - You are, of course, absolutely right. My husband is actually an accountant, and says I let liveries get away with too much.So I'm going to pull my socks up for 2012 (though, as you also rightly say, it's much more difficult to become unflexible again!
I have never had anyone who didn't pay in the end, but there was one lady locally who ran up bills at every livery yard before doing runners. Funny, she didn't think that we YOs talk to each other!!! She arrived at my gate one day, full of charm and chat but as luck would have it, I'd been pre-warned by a good friend of mine whose horses I rode at one time. She went off sighing that it was QUITE impossible to find a local livery.......
I have never had anyone who didn't pay in the end, but there was one lady locally who ran up bills at every livery yard before doing runners. Funny, she didn't think that we YOs talk to each other!!! She arrived at my gate one day, full of charm and chat but as luck would have it, I'd been pre-warned by a good friend of mine whose horses I rode at one time. She went off sighing that it was QUITE impossible to find a local livery.......
Fahrenheit
Well-Known Member
Years ago, when my horse was be beaten up being out with the liveries horses, I made him his own half acre paddock and one of the liveries told me that because they paid £19pw for there horse to stay there and I didn't, that her horse should have priority over my horse to which field/paddock it went in... I pointed out that her £19pw was a drop in the ocean compared to what we'd paid for the property... cloud cuckoo!!!
We used to do assisted DIY and the other common thing was you could guarantee when it was raining you would get half a dozen phone calls from people that were going to be held up at work and could you get their horses in for them, for them to turn up on time. The field was only the length of the arena away from the yard... could never work that one out because i'd rather get my own horse in rain or shine than pay someone else unless I had to, but never mind it lined my pocket
I prefer to rent the spare yard out as a whole now and just have 1 or 2 liveries of my own, much less hassle
We used to do assisted DIY and the other common thing was you could guarantee when it was raining you would get half a dozen phone calls from people that were going to be held up at work and could you get their horses in for them, for them to turn up on time. The field was only the length of the arena away from the yard... could never work that one out because i'd rather get my own horse in rain or shine than pay someone else unless I had to, but never mind it lined my pocket
I prefer to rent the spare yard out as a whole now and just have 1 or 2 liveries of my own, much less hassle
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
How do you go on renting the yard out as a whole? We have way more stables than we need now, and I often think that we could build two for ours on a different plot and let the yard out. I couldn't be bothered with liveries again. What kind of rents do you get for a seperate yard? For example we would let out a yard of four stables and a foaling box plus a seven acre field.
Batgirl
Well-Known Member
I am on 5/2 livery so DIY at the weekend, it is written into my contract that unless told in advance horses must be mucked out by 11am (for example I can ask for him to be turned out and muck out later in the day if I let them know).
FairyLights
Well-Known Member
Best way is not to do DIY at all,but do assisted livery and make people pay by direct debit and include VAT. That way you have a better chance of attracting decent clients actually getting paid and the horses will get enough to eat.
FairyLights
Well-Known Member
HHH08 about £200 a month?
Mrs B
Well-Known Member
We used to run our yard in Leicestershire as a DIY. Tact and rules are always needed 
I always felt I wanted a t-shirt to wear every year saying: 'It's February. It's muddy. Deal with it.'
I always felt I wanted a t-shirt to wear every year saying: 'It's February. It's muddy. Deal with it.'
Fahrenheit
Well-Known Member
We advertise ie mine would say: Yard to rent 6 stables (poss more), 4 acre field (poss more), own tack/feed room, hay/straw storage, muck heap and shared use of 60x20 school and lunge pen £550pcm
In our area to rent a yard like ours can be anything from £300-£800pcm, depending on if the tenant/landlord is doing the maintenance and muck removal etc.
Usually you get people who want to do part and full liveries come in, I like a quiet life so tend to turn away people wanting to run riding schools or asking if they can bring a mobile home before letting them come and look.
DIY in our area varies from £20-£55pw dependant on facilities.
PucciNPoni
Well-Known Member
I agree with everything that was said in this post, but on the insurance front - while I do agree with it--- the tack part I'm not sure about. If you were to say, insist that the tack be covered, then you as the livery yard owner IMO need to provide an insurance proof tack room! I was on a yard that had a tack room which was shared by several liveries, several thousands of pounds worth of saddlery all in one cupboard and the tack room could EASILY be breached simply by cutting off a pad lock or smashing in the door or removing the door from the hinges...or even jumping over a wall! No insurance company would pay out on theft with such a room being the only obstacle!
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Thanks. Food for thought...
ps. Re insurance for tack, most policies state that it has to be in small/private tackrooms or solid buildings with several lock points on the door etc...
ps. Re insurance for tack, most policies state that it has to be in small/private tackrooms or solid buildings with several lock points on the door etc...
Marydoll
Well-Known Member
I have been on yards as a DIY livery and never once needed the yo to do anything for my horses, i feel if you stick to DIY in the true sense of the word thats what you'll get. Like them or loathe them, every yard needs definite rules, and they need to be adhered to by everyone using the yard, to often ive seen the yo friends get special treatment creating all kinds of arguments and bad feeling. Regular yard meetings to air any issues are a must, but also need to be well managed
IMO if you offer DIY and part, thats when the hassles can start, when people cant be bothered to turn up they just phone and ask for horses to be brought in, mucked out, fed or whatever and as a yo you never really know whats happening as your daily workload can change quite a bit.
i rent my own place now and its great, its can be difficult to keep any yard running sweet, but in the main i think if you are fair to all with no favourites it tends to work better
IMO if you offer DIY and part, thats when the hassles can start, when people cant be bothered to turn up they just phone and ask for horses to be brought in, mucked out, fed or whatever and as a yo you never really know whats happening as your daily workload can change quite a bit.
i rent my own place now and its great, its can be difficult to keep any yard running sweet, but in the main i think if you are fair to all with no favourites it tends to work better
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
Mr Cameron's job is far easier than running a DIY yard.
fidleyspromise
Well-Known Member
I disagree with this.
My yard offers part livery but you must give them 24 hours notice.
I've generally only had the yard do mine when I i've gone away for the odd weekend here and there, which I knew in plenty of time so they loads of notice.
I gave them barely 24 hours in August, when I had a funeral to attend and it had completely slipped my mind but YO didn't mind in this instance.
One day I didn't give notice as my car had broken down, and YO was fine with this. I did tell them that morning though so it was before they had gone out onto yard. I've been on the yard for 2 years and this is the only time I've not given required notice.
I can see where some liveries may take the mickey, but provided they have to give 24/48 hours notice, and you stick to this (other than emergencies) then its fine.
Minnow
Member
Thank you for all your comments and helpful tips. I am so pleased I am not the only one who feels the this way. What a good discussion. I think from now on I will advertise for assited liveries part or full and may have to wait a bit longer for the right people. references definatly! Thank you
miss-kip
Member
your thread title made me laugh unfortunately its completely true.
Anyone who enters into running a yard thinking its going to be easy money is in for a big shock. Horsey folk as a general rule are not the easiest bunch to deal with, don't get me wrong some are lovely, some appear to be and act like friends even though they will happily question your authority and level of care behind your back in fairly public places and some are just down right horrors who cause damage, unsettle others and leave without paying bills!
I've seen it all in the last few years, its been a massive learning curve and i'll admit it took me a while to get it under control.
My advise would be contracts outlining even the minor details and if you can have an equine solicitor read over it and point out any holes that need correcting. Mine breaks down any charges that will be added to their bill should they not provide a certain level of care for their horse and I need to intervene. Make sure the rules are outlined, adhered to, changed if required and liverys are reminded of them if they are not followed.
Rise above the whispers. My yard isnt huge and I always know exactly whats going on even if someone does think they are pulling the wool over my eyes. We live on site and it never fails to amaze me the number of people who think they can talk about you in your own back yard without you finding out!
Another thing i've done in an attempt to keep the idiots out is that I wont just take the first person that comes along looking for a stable. In my experience you need to choose you liverys as much as they need to choose your yard. You have to see them/deal with them everyday so you have to get along with them and they need to understand and agree with your methods/rules etc which brings me to my last point..........
Dont lie, or exaggerate on anything when they come to view. i.e. if all year turnout isnt available dont tell them it is. If your fields get muddy in winter etc (whos dont?!) tell them! Best to get it all out in the open from the offset and manage their expectations!
Reading that back it sounds quite harshI now have a great bunch it just took me a while to get here and I fell in a few holes along the way. Its not all bad, you get to work with horses most of whom are lovely its just learning to deal with their owners thats the tricky part!
unfortunately its completely true. Anyone who enters into running a yard thinking its going to be easy money is in for a big shock. Horsey folk as a general rule are not the easiest bunch to deal with, don't get me wrong some are lovely, some appear to be and act like friends even though they will happily question your authority and level of care behind your back in fairly public places and some are just down right horrors who cause damage, unsettle others and leave without paying bills!
I've seen it all in the last few years, its been a massive learning curve and i'll admit it took me a while to get it under control.
My advise would be contracts outlining even the minor details and if you can have an equine solicitor read over it and point out any holes that need correcting. Mine breaks down any charges that will be added to their bill should they not provide a certain level of care for their horse and I need to intervene. Make sure the rules are outlined, adhered to, changed if required and liverys are reminded of them if they are not followed.
Rise above the whispers. My yard isnt huge and I always know exactly whats going on even if someone does think they are pulling the wool over my eyes. We live on site and it never fails to amaze me the number of people who think they can talk about you in your own back yard without you finding out!
Another thing i've done in an attempt to keep the idiots out is that I wont just take the first person that comes along looking for a stable. In my experience you need to choose you liverys as much as they need to choose your yard. You have to see them/deal with them everyday so you have to get along with them and they need to understand and agree with your methods/rules etc which brings me to my last point..........
Dont lie, or exaggerate on anything when they come to view. i.e. if all year turnout isnt available dont tell them it is. If your fields get muddy in winter etc (whos dont?!) tell them! Best to get it all out in the open from the offset and manage their expectations!
Reading that back it sounds quite harsh
I now have a great bunch it just took me a while to get here and I fell in a few holes along the way. Its not all bad, you get to work with horses most of whom are lovely its just learning to deal with their owners thats the tricky part!
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
your thread title made me laugh
Anyone who enters into running a yard thinking its going to be easy money is in for a big shock. Horsey folk as a general rule are not the easiest bunch to deal with,
I've seen it all in the last few years, its been a massive learning curve and i'll admit it took me a while to get it under control.
In my experience you need to choose you liverys as much as they need to choose your yard. You have to see them/deal with them everyday so you have to get along with them and they need to understand and agree with your methods/rules etc which brings me to my last point..........
Dont lie, or exaggerate on anything when they come to view. i.e. if all year turnout isnt available dont tell them it is. If your fields get muddy in winter etc (whos dont?!) tell them! Best to get it all out in the open from the offset and manage their expectations!
QUOTE]
Yes! Agree with all this. Its SO important to give consideration to not only your'e liveries but also their horses as well. Which is why you need to ask them and talk through what they expect from the yard etc etc.
PucciNPoni
Well-Known Member
And likewise - don't take about liveries (particularly to OTHER LIVERIES) unless you're positive you want it to get back to them.
And yes, do get contracts in place - protects everyone and at very least it clearly defines what the expectations are, charges - no surprises!
Kiribati_uk
Well-Known Member
Well I have just had crap morning, one of my liveries(diy) was asked before new year if she could poop pick field and musck her two stables out as neither had been done since end of nov, she was deep littering(she wasn't just pure lazy) So in all fairness she duly did this so I thought great problem solved, but no she didn't continue, so today I asked her again and she turned around and said because I charged Too much for livery she couldn't afford to buy shavings to bed the ponies!!!!!(Its wasn't as polite as that either!)
Oh she also said she is leaving tomorrow and wont pay the remaining livery bill, to be fair Im glad she is leaving she makes more mess than the rest put together.
But thats it no more diyers here!!!!
Oh she also said she is leaving tomorrow and wont pay the remaining livery bill, to be fair Im glad she is leaving she makes more mess than the rest put together.
But thats it no more diyers here!!!!
Lark
Well-Known Member
Running a DIY yard is definitely not for the faint hearted! It is a lot less popular in Ireland and personally unless you are totally hands off it must be very difficult to run when compared with full livery where the routine is agreed to and set.
The worst thing at the moment is non payment of bills and leaving the horse behind. This wasn't so much of an issue in the past as after a set period the horse could be sold on but noone wants them now.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
If you remember this little saying
"For every unhappy yard owner there are ten unhappy liveries" then you should get along fine.
No, but seriously my advice (as a livery and not as a yard owner) would be to
A) not get involved in yard politics, i.e who said what to whom.
B) listen to liveries that have a problem with the way the yard is run or a problem with a particular area of the yard (when I say area I mean item) and not be dismissive of their worries. Nothing is worse to me personally than to take about a week to bring myself to broach a 'difficult' subject with a y.o, drink enough booze to sink a battle ship to give me dutch courage (only joking) and then be 'dismissed' as if my comment was a mere irritation or not worthy of further consideration. It is annoying, and personally hurts like hell.
C) spend time getting to know your liveries and to ask them how they are, how they have got on at events, etc, just taking an interest in them. -My current Y.O always amazes me with this one, I don't think she has ever forgotten to ask me how I've got on at an event, or the doctors, hospital, new job, etc, etc. I only wish I was so good at remembering to ask people things. It always makes me feel like I am a valid contribution to the yard and that I am actually seen as a person rather than just a number or a £ sign.
D) don't go looking for trouble. I note from your post you ask about trouble makers. Try not to alienate yourself from the liveries. If you do get a 'trouble maker' (and I hate that word as what a Y.O may see as a trouble maker, may actually be a livery worried or upset about what the perceive as an injustice done to them) then try to have a quiet word with them. Instead of flying at them with threats of 'being thrown off' ask them calmly what they see is the problem and see how you can remedy the situation to a mutual resolution.
E) Encourage your liveries to take part in events, i.e. shows, etc. I create a newsletter every month for our yard (45+ liveries) and we also have shows, fun days, and clinics at our yard, and most people take an active interest. It creates good feeling on the yard, and people are rewarded with fun for their hard work and acheivements are noted (I am totally fab in the egg and spoon race by the way) LOL
AND FINALLY WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE THE ULTIMATE SUGGESTION:
F) look for good in EVERY ONE of your liveries. Remember to thank them and never ever forget to be polite to them. They are your clients, your bread and butter and NOT some minor irritation to be swept aside.
I think if you handle things in the way I've described you will do very well as a yard owner.
And I must point out (as a disclaimer) LOL, that if the above ever gets back to my Y.O the things I have mentioned are not all to do with the current yard I am at now!!
Good luck xx
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maresmaid
Well-Known Member
I absolutely agree with Applecart. Your liveries are your CUSTOMERS, remember that you need their money, so treat them with respect. People will not enjoy spending their leisure time at your yard if they are made to feel that you are doing them a big favour in allowing them the priviledge of stepping onto your property. There are some yard owners who forget who are actually paying the bills and this is a really big mistake, I know of one particular yard owner's partner who would always expect the very best of customer service from any shop or hotel they might patronise, yet treats the liveries on their own yard with utter, undisguised, contempt - very poor business practice I think.
Enfys
Well-Known Member
I actually wouldn't run a DIY yard if I was paid to.
My yard (which is also my home) is full stall board, or full pasture board, I neither want, nor need the human traffic that DIY would entail.
I like it that way and so do my Boarders, they know that whenever they come up all they have to concern themselves with is their horses, not wasting time cleaning stalls, or fields, or carting hay and water in stupid temperatures at either end of the scale - that is what they pay me to do
Yes they are clients, but they have also become friends. I enjoy having them here and I know they enjoy being here because they are lovely enough to tell me that.
As for the money aspect, I am in the fortunate position where I don't actually need the income, net profit is not a great deal, in old fashioned terms it would be called 'pin money' it pays for my own horses and keeps me occupied.
My yard (which is also my home) is full stall board, or full pasture board, I neither want, nor need the human traffic that DIY would entail.
I like it that way and so do my Boarders, they know that whenever they come up all they have to concern themselves with is their horses, not wasting time cleaning stalls, or fields, or carting hay and water in stupid temperatures at either end of the scale - that is what they pay me to do
Yes they are clients, but they have also become friends. I enjoy having them here and I know they enjoy being here because they are lovely enough to tell me that.
As for the money aspect, I am in the fortunate position where I don't actually need the income, net profit is not a great deal, in old fashioned terms it would be called 'pin money' it pays for my own horses and keeps me occupied.
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