Thinking about offering full or part livery...

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Hayjay

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Hi, not been here for a very long time but hoping all you knowledgeable horsey people can give me your opinions.

I have stables and land at home, about 3.5 acres are paddocks, and one very old shetland who is currently alone. The land & stables are underused so thinking about renting them out. We are on a main road (40 zone) which although not overly busy does have some big supermarket lorries chugging up and down, although about 300 yards up the road you turn into country lanes. I have no facilities (school/horse walker) other than large stone built stables, elec & water and all year turn out. I'm thinking of offering livery on a basis of looking after horse/pony monday to friday or monday to sunday, everything you would normally do for your horse, other than riding. Or DIY with option for me to turn out/ muck out/check horse on an as and when basis. Do people prefer set in stone arrangements or more flexible? I go on holiday from time to time (only in school holidays) and away for weekends occasionally so would be hoping to have an arrangement where said livery would let my dog in and out, walk and feed her, feed cat and check shetland (elderly parents live in our barn conversion so here but not always able to take care of animals). I would offer either free or discounted livery for this time. Do people tend to organise their own hay/bedding or prefer it supplied? This is a private home with land and stables rather than a livery yard and i wonder if this would put people off. Any input, suggestions gratefully received - and an idea of cost for diy/part/full livery as I have no idea!!! Thanks for reading :-)
 
Hayjay, it sounds the perfect solution for someone looking for a small livery yard with occasional recipricol offers of help. I would suggest you contact the BHS as they can give you sample livery contracts which you can look at, and then pick out the criteria that best suits you. It is always best to have things written down, so there can be no chance of misunderstanding. A months livery is usually paid in advance and preferably a direct debit set up to cover monthly rent. I would prefer the freedom to buy my own hay, and have separate storage for it to avoid any confusion later. 3.5 acres isn't much grazing when the weather is bad... have you the facilities to get rid of the extra muck?? Will your pony be ok if he is left alone when new horse is taken out for a ride? I know he's on his own now, but they can form strong attachments!!
Finally, please please tell me you don't leave your dog on its own in your house when you go away???? I'm really hoping its left with your parents...
 
Superhot, thanks for your comments - I will contact the BHS re sample contracts. Getting rid of muck is not problem but good thinking re pony being alone if other is removed. I am here all the time so if necessary may have to bring him in. Re dog, she is in an adjoining utility (cottage and barn are opposite each other) at night. She wanders between the two properties during the day but parents arn't really up to walking and poo picking! I like her to be with them when I am away as she is a fantasic warning dog - no-one can come onto our property without her being very vocal about it!
 
You would have to get stables rated for business rates which would have to be paid, public liability insurance etc.

How close are your stables to your property/personal space? We did exactly as you are suggesting a few years ago, the stables are literally footsteps from parents' house between the farm and as a result it was very tiring and invasive having people constantly around every minute of the day and evening.
 
Runtoearth, the stables are away from the house - rubbish on distance but probably about 90 metres. Our drive way is c shaped with two entrances - the top bit is only used by me/parents and the bottom entrance for stables/our storage/workshop. I have considered the privacy side and think it should be ok. The storage/workshop is alarmed which activates for entry or fire and rings my mobile phone constantly until I pick it up (very clever!). We will link it to stables in some way. Hadn't considered public liability though - will check out prices - thanks.
 
As well as public liability insurance if you are looking after or handling their horses at all you will need care, custody and control insurance.
 
if you think lack of hacking or being on a busy road may put off liveries you could offer retirement livery, there's always people on here asking for a decent one :)
 
Thanks Victoria, that's a really great idea. It would give my boy some company, help keep the grass down and hopefully bring in a few pennies. Any ideas what people expect to pay for retirement livery?

Thanks Lyn, never heard of care, custody and control insurance! I knew this forum would be a great help. I'll try googling it
 
Hi

Me and a friend rent a private yard off a lady who lives on site but away from the yard and its perfect.

Unlike you she doest have her own horse but if she did, Id be prepared to look after it in return for cheaper rent over summer/free rent over winter ...


We pay £15 per horse and have use of 25/30 acres, a large amercian style barn (7 stables), elec, water, also based on a main road but excellent hacking 1/4 mile hack away - we're just outside Manchester but realise this is very very cheap! We buy our own hayalge etc.

My friend pays either £25 or £30 pw retirement livery ...

xx
 
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