The old livery yard questions chestnut!

[Fransurrey]

Although I can allegedly stay on my land after the owner dying, I'm already having issues with the 'estate' not having a bit of horse sense between them. In only a month they switched off a near ground level mains fence (ponies got legs caught as they realised before I did), have put house on market without first agreeing to give me water access (need to soak hay and feeds) and are making plans for allotments with the ONLY access being through my field.

So, I am going back on the hunt for livery. So what I need from you good peoples is questions to ask!! Aside from how much, obviously, he he.

 

[Luci07]

Just a thought but do you have a contract? As sounds like they are trying to make life sufficiently difficult to make you leave. Just a thought as maybe they might help with moving costs or deposit for you of there is a contract in place...

Questions, access, times allowed there. Security, facilities, exactly what is covered in costs, how much are extras, availability for farrier vet, own trainer or yard trainer, storage space, why have they GOT spaces..particularly coming up for winter.

 

[Littlelegs]

Make a list of requirements you must have, & those you would like, then ask not just if they have them but how they work. Eg turnout as a necessary, ask (& view) fencing, quality, maintenance, what other owners do, restrictions etc. Locking tack room as a 'like'- how many share, how much space, keys etc. Loads of stuff to ask, but as well as asking about horses requirements, don't forget yours, eg if you need to be there 6am is that ok etc. And always ask the other liveries too & speak to them. What a yo says, & what happens in practice can be entirely different.

 

[Fransurrey]

Thanks both. Luci, there was never a contract. Have been there 12 years bar a spell inthe middle when i lived in a different area, renting from an old lady and then her sister when old lady died. I do know that someone else in the village wants to rent it and he lives right next to it, so suspect same as you. Trouble is i'll never be able to compete. Everybody up there is filthy rich and the relatives aren't known for their frugal lifestyle...

Good start for questions. Keep em comin!