Viewing a new yard

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lilyhopkins_

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I'm going to view a possible new yard tomorrow. I was wondering what questions everyone would ask the YO? I already know cost/turnout/ménage use and hacking. What other things would you ask?
 
- How long the other liveries have been there (give you a good idea of whether there's a high turn-over rate)
- If you don't have your own transport, ask if they do or if anyone at the yard does
- Do they maintain the arena regularly?
- Do they host or attend comps?
- What's their worming policy?
- Can you use your own vet?
 
If you are on diy what services are available. can you bring in your own instructor. any restrictions on bedding you can use. do you get your own hay straw feed etc or do the yard provide it. what vet does the yard use in an emergency.
 
Are the facilities only used by liveries or are they rented out to outsiders?
No use to you if regularly rented to others whenever you may want to use them.
What are their isolation facilities?
What back up is in place and charges?
Who inspects the fences & how often?
Don't be dazzled by flashy buildings but look at the outlying fields.
 
What's the policy with children on the yard? Are people allowed to bring their dogs? Are there any yard dogs? What's the worming policy? Are the field poo picked? Is it herd turnout?
 
How much outdoor lighting have they got? What facilities do they offer? Do you have to use their worming programme? How often do they muck out the horses? How often do they change water? How often are hooves picked out? I know the last couple might seem a tad insignificant but I have seen horses who badly needed hooves picking out or beds mucking out but these jobs were being put off. The water also had straw, hay wee in some cases and wasn't changed for a while so always good to check these things. The reason these things weren't done is because they claimed owners enjoyed 'grooming' ie: picking out hooves and mucking out. Water wasn't changed because they said it was like feeding the horse and on DIY that was owners responsibility.
 
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Thanks guys for all the suggestions. Ended up going to see the yard today instead. Let's just say, I hated it. Beforehand I wasn't told the size of the yard (I'm not a big fan of massive yards) and when I got there I found out there was at least 60 horses stabled there. The stables were all over the place and it had a very unwelcoming feel to it. I think I'll stick to my current yard, it offers nearly everything I want just is a long drive.
 
lilyhopkins_ said:
Thanks guys for all the suggestions. Ended up going to see the yard today instead. Let's just say, I hated it. Beforehand I wasn't told the size of the yard (I'm not a big fan of massive yards) and when I got there I found out there was at least 60 horses stabled there. The stables were all over the place and it had a very unwelcoming feel to it. I think I'll stick to my current yard, it offers nearly everything I want just is a long drive.
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It is good that the current yard has what you want even though it is a long drive. I tend to think if you feel off about somewhere you shouldn't put your horse there.
 
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