Those on full livery...

[htobago]

My boy is on full livery for several reasons, but mainly because he's a stallion at stud and needs expert professionals (which i am not!) to do all the stud work.

My health problems mean I don't get to see him anywhere near as often as I would like, but frankly I don't care who my horse 'thinks is Mum', as long as he is healthy, happy, loved and has the best possible care from the most experienced, kindest, most dedicated people.

Worrying about who he 'thinks is Mum' (if indeed horses think in this way, which I doubt) would be worrying about ME. My concerns are all about HIM, about HIS happiness and welfare.

The manager and staff at the stud adore him - they treat him as though he were their own most precious horse, and several of them have really built up very special relationships/bonds with him. Of course he knows them much better than he knows me, but that's fine. The important thing is his physical and mental well-being, not my own sense of gratification at being recognised, greeted, etc.

(Luckily, he's pretty indiscriminate in his affections - loves attention and fuss from just about any human - so I get the happy friendly greetings anyway, like everyone else.)

 

[Renvers]

What are your reasons for being on full livery?
Do you feel you are 'missing out' by not doing your horse all the time or that you don't have as strong a bond as if you were to be on DIY?

I'm just after people's views / experiences really as financially I would comfortably be able to keep a horse, but I wouldn't have the time to keep one on DIY due to my work. I can't see this changing anytime soon, but the thought of not having my own horse for the forseeable future is not a good one.

(just to add, I do currently loan 2 days a week - I'm just thinking of what my options would be once this agreement comes to an end)

Thanks!

I can see this is a long thread and know this has been an emotive subject in the past.

My two are full livery becuase that provides them with the routine they need and that long hours and business travel mean I can't guarantee. Also when I calculated the costs Full worked out cheaper.

My older horse used to be DIY and I continue to have the same level of recognitiion and affection from him that I always did, he still goes best for me and when i have been to catch him he will still come to me. The staff are very good at our yard but I probably spend the longest period of time with him simply because when I am their i focus all my attention on him, the staff have to do the other horses too.

My youngster has always been on full and recognises me fine and I am happy with the level of our bond together, probably again because when I am with her i give her longer periods of attention than the staff are able to.

Horses are used to herds and I am sure there is ample room for them to have more than one human in their herd and based on how you are with them, that you will be a consistent presence in their life I bet you will be fine.

enjoy your horse and value the time you spend together without worrying about some of the more human traits we naturally put on our horses when we bond with them

 

[MadisonBelle]

I have only ever been on FL and that's been for about 25 years now! I work full time in London so leave home very early and get back at 6:30pm. I still ride/lunge/groom horse everynight and compete, have lessons etc. If I go to the field to bring in my horse at the weekend she walks over to me.... I give her one 2 one time and I can honestly say that my horses have always "known" me..... The only thing I envy about some of my friends is that they ride in the daylight all the time whereas from Oct-March during the weekdays I only ever ride in the dark but then it sure make me appreciate the light nights that are coming.......