Surviving a DIY livery yard - any tips?

WelshD

WelshD

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I currently rent the private yard behind my house and keep two ponies there, I have a third that is currently on full livery

The full livery was always a short term thing, they have schooled the pony on, people are fab, yard is fab, no politics or hassle.

Its time now for the pony to come home, I cant afford to keep her on full livery indefinitely, a busy yard has definitely suited her and a school has been a huge benefit so I am considering putting her on DIY livery nearer home

What I am most worried about are the other people that come with a larger yard and the various rules that it seems so easy to fall foul of.

Any tips? serious or lighthearted! Any pitfalls to avoid when choosing a yard?
 
I think if you like the yard manager, that is a good first step. Other than that, luck of the draw springs to mind!
 
yep, pick one with a good YM, ideally one with clear rules and boundaries so everyone has to toe the same line ;)

After that... keep your stuff tidy and secure, don't get involved in other peoples business unless asked (makes for a quiet life), say good morning and good night to people (keeps the atmosphere cheerful), and don't worry! Been on DIY livery for 25 years and it's almost all been lovely.
 
As said above a good YM with rules in place makes for a friendlier yard generally, I've been on both sides of the scale and prefer the rules in place option any day.

Be prepared to smile, nod and let other peoples comments and opinions go over your hear, there will always be someone that thinks they know better - on the other hand there will always be someone to help and offer advice when you do need it.
 
Choosing the right yard is the best way to survive it! The problem is, the "right yard" is different for everyone and it's probably trial and error to find the one for you. You don't know if you're going to like something until you try it! I would hate a large, busy yard, but would be equally unhappy on a small one without much company. My 12 horse yard is the perfect size for me - others may hate it. In the same way, I'd hate a yard with loads of rules but one where everybody is left to their own devices wouldn't suit either. Mine provides a happy medium, where we're all treated like adults and not told what to do but the horses move fields on the YO's say so and we all respect that what she says goes.

If you and your pony have enjoyed the full livery yard I'd try to find one that feels the most similar to that.
 
Go by the vibe/gut feeling you get when you step out of the car on a new yard, as generally you will be right. I would also ascertain what the ground rules are straight away.

My tips would be to lock up all of your things from day one and do not get involved in any gossip with anyone, the less you know the less you are responsible for!

Hope you find a good one!
 
Leo Walker said:
Dont do it! But if you really must then be very choosy where you go.
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Ditto this ^^^ ! When you go to look, and step out of your car - what's your first impression? That will tell you an awful lot! Also, don't be too persuaded by the solid gold YM., they may not be all they seem! We have one that tries hard to "talk the talk" - but most certainly does not "walk the walk"! Anyway - I'm confused WelshD, you say you rent the private yard behind your house and keep 2 ponies there - can't you keep the 3rd one there too?
 
Some good advice so far!

I treat the yard a little how I treat going to work – I’m very much there for a reason (to enjoy my horse) and I’m not there to make best friends or learn all the latest gossip.

Smile and be polite but don’t get drawn into any politics or school-ground antics and grow a thick skin.

There will always be people that would do things differently and will vocalise so, but just smile and nod and keep on doing what you are doing if it’s working, I find those that turn up, enjoy their horse and get on with things tend to ‘do’ a lot better than people that spend longer drinking tea and watching others ride (and usually commenting on it … :D) . I’m sure people think I’m a bit boring and anti-social, but IMHO life’s too short for tittle-tattle and idle gossip about someone you wouldn’t socialise with outside of the yard anyway.

Personally, I try to remain as independent as possible. I have everything I need myself – I know people on DIY yards with no wheelbarrows and share, which to me would be an unnecessary source of potential inconvenience or upset. I don’t lend stuff out, but equally don’t ask to use anyone else’s stuff either.
I arrange and order all my own hay, beddings and horse feed & I taught my horse to hack alone so I don’t have to arrange to hack with anyone. Don’t get me wrong, I do hack with other people I’m friendly with and do enjoy so, but by going out regularly on my own it prevents it getting

Unless I’m on particularly friendly terms with people I’ll book things like physiotherapy, saddle fitter and so on myself and not try to ‘share’ appointments as I find it much easier. I’ve personally always locked up all my belongings regardless of the yard to prevent other people using it. I’m also very careful about agreeing to favours or asking favours – as I’ve found in my experience, someone doing your horse one day for you to do something else with theirs too often is the quickest way for liveries to fall out!

Keep to the rules, keep your area neat and tidy & if in doubt, your mouth shut (better to say something the next day when you’ve thought about it rationally than say something in haste) and I’m sure you’ll be fine! It may not sound like it, but I’ve made great friends from livery yards.
 
This is actually very sound advice for being on a yard. Even more so on a DIY yard. You need to be self sufficient and not rely on anyone else for anything. Things like horse must be fine if others come in from the field first or would be fine if left in the stable until last too. Just food for thought
 
Buy ear phones and offer no opinions.
I had some at home and some at livery, I worked shifts and had two children so I just did what I had to do and went, and tried to keep self contained.
I left as little as possible there, my car has always been a movable tack room and was glad I had a bolt hole. My biggest problem is the poo picking mafia, I blitz it twice a week if I can not do it every day. Tut, Tut.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
That was my first thought!
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Ahh :( there are some nice things about being on a (good) yard. I was really lonely when I had the horses on site. I wouldn't say I was super close to anyone on my yard but a few good friends and lots of good folk that it's nice to check in with regularly.
I work from home so the social elements are a big plus :)
 
You need to grow an attitude. Don't lend or borrow unless you know the person well. Try to be self sufficient as favours tend to not be returned and will grate on your nerves. Beware the livery who immediately tries to get into the turnout/bring in swap, there's a reason nobody else shares the responsibilities with that livery and it's usually countless excuses why they can't hold up their end of the bargain.
 
The best advice I can give is ...... remember it's DIY which stands for Don't involve yourself ��������������
 
I agree with everyone who has advised to stay out of yard gossip! Its by far the most important thing to do. I've only ever been on DIY since I was a teenager and I've never experienced any problems.

People have their own ways of doing things, don't offer an opinion and brush it off if someone offers theirs.
 
Sophire said:
I agree with everyone who has advised to stay out of yard gossip! Its by far the most important thing to do. I've only ever been on DIY since I was a teenager and I've never experienced any problems.

People have their own ways of doing things, don't offer an opinion and brush it off if someone offers theirs.
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There speaks a person with sound advice regarding Do It Yourself livery ^^^
 
andytiger said:
The best advice I can give is ...... remember it's DIY which stands for Don't involve yourself ��������������
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That is brilliant, would have saved myself no end of heartache if I had remembered this golden rule through the years!
 
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