What do I need to know about livery yards?

[WelshD]

Due to changes in my life and need for facilities I am about to give up my private rented yard and put my pony on DIY livery.

I've never been on a livery yard before, I am used to lots of space for stuff etc and the freedom to turn out when I like so I know it will come as a shock.

I'm pretty inoffensive so am not the sort to cause trouble and the YO at my preferred yard seems very level headed which is nice so I am hoping that I can avoid teething troubles, manage expectations and misunderstandings on my part to create a tranquil relationship.

Any pearls of wisdom, questions I need to ask before I move and essential things I need to buy?

The plan is to keep the private yard on for a few months to wind everything down anyway (also have livestock) so worst case scenario is that pony can be moved back

All advice appreciated thank you

 

[Scotsbadboy]

Try desperately not to leave where you are now

 

[Tash88]

It sounds like you are sensible, experienced and have the right approach so I'm sure you will be fine!

I think you need to remember that there is no such thing as the perfect yard, especially as you have had it in that you've had your own place, which is what most of us in livery yards dream of! There will always be shortcomings e.g. not enough turnout time, people not putting the jumps away in the school etc. but most of the time they will be minor.

If people come and try to tell you who on the yard to avoid etc., smile and agree politely and ignore them, deal with everyone on a 'speak as you find' basis.

If you need to and are allowed, pair up with the other liveries who you share a field with to share turn out/bring in when you can't get down - it's always useful to have some support in emergencies. Ditto for Covid - if you need to self-isolate make sure it is easy for others to pick up on your horse care - I have my horse's feed etc. written down on a whiteboard in my storage area.

Label everything with your name.

 

[WelshD]

Try desperately not to leave where you are now

I know - I've had it years and its literally behind my house which does make the decision harder! but we are running to stand still especially in lockdown, a plod around the block once a week for 4 months of winter isn't going to get my pony to HOYS and its not enjoyable for his little rider to be on her own with no facilities. Its not a decision I have arrived at lightly and I will keep my place on for a while so we could always go back there if things are tricky but I honestly think it will be far less stressful for all of us to be on a yard

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Set aside a good sized area at home for storage of out of use rugs and spare tack etc.
Obtain a lockable trunk or 2, depending on space allowed on new yard, for spare rugs
Ensure feed bins are lockable and EVERYTHING of yours is labelled or clearly identifiable.

Check on worming regimes.
Are outside coaches allowed in.
Do they have any time for closing, are you allowed in early?
Are there services available?

Good luck!

 

[MuddyMonster]

Things I always check are:

• Is there assistance available?
• Turn out - I tend to ask how many hours per day in winter *and* how many days was there no turn out. That's a lot more specific than just relying on someone saying 'good' turnout which is so variable.
• Yard opening times
• Can you use your own farrier/vet/instructor etc?
• If you are likely to be up early is there a 'first up feeds all' policy?
• If a floodlit sandschool - are the lights on a timer you need to pay for?
• Sole use policy of school (especially in busy periods) - there is nothing more annoying than the school constantly being booked out at 6pm on a weekday if you work office hours IMHO.

 

[Equine_Dream]

I would find out if there are any yard rules other than common sense. For example not leaving horses turned out alone (common sense) vs all wheel barrows must be placed facing south east (i joke but seriously some yards have VERY random rules ?).
I would ask about general day to day yard rules. For example ask about storage. Where are you to store your hay/bedding/personal items etc. What is the norm with turnout? Are there set times you are allowed on the yard (for example my yo asks that, unless going to a show or in an emergency, not to visit the yard before 6am and to be off the yard by 8pm in the evenings).
Yard facilities - what are the rules regarding their use?


I'm sure there's lots more but they are the main questions that spring to mind.

 

[Roxylola]

Are they happy with you supplying tools etc or are you expected to use the yard ones? Not a huge issue but if there is limited storage it can be difficult if everyone has their own set to store.
I've been on a few yards and never had major issues. I think as long as you keep yourself tidy etc you'll be fine.
Where there are people its inevitable some will be bonkers, the more people the more likelihood of at least some of them being bonkers. I ignore them, do my thing and go home. I've always git along fine that way

 

[Muddywellies]

Don't get dragged into any 'situations', always remain neutral
Don't lend or borrow anything
Keep everything locked up
Check up rules on arena use (booking? Dual use? Lights?)
Try not to get involved in sharing duties as sure is eggs is eggs, you'll end up being put on (although occasionally, this can work quite well)
Check up on rules re bringing in the last one out in field
It sometimes doesn't go down well if you take lots of friends to the yard (atm that should be impossible)
Use of mucking out equipment?
Who's responsible for keeping muck heap tidy, and removal (tho always fork it up and tidy up your own)

 

[sarahann1]

I’m on a totally DIY yard, the turnout is still really flexible other than we try to make sure nothing is left out on their own unless the owner has already okayed it.

Depending on the space you’ve got available, a small shed with plenty of shelves/hooks to keep your stuff in will help keep everything contained and tidy.

Keep your area and the communal areas swept/tidy. Unless your asked for an opinion, don’t offer it, even when asked, stay as vague as you can (I learnt this one the hard way) I do my best to reply with “what does your vet/saddler etc etc etc say” now, still mess up though, as my nature is that of an opinionated boot.

 

[Birker2020]

Due to changes in my life and need for facilities I am about to give up my private rented yard and put my pony on DIY livery.

I've never been on a livery yard before, I am used to lots of space for stuff etc and the freedom to turn out when I like so I know it will come as a shock.

I'm pretty inoffensive so am not the sort to cause trouble and the YO at my preferred yard seems very level headed which is nice so I am hoping that I can avoid teething troubles, manage expectations and misunderstandings on my part to create a tranquil relationship.

Any pearls of wisdom, questions I need to ask before I move and essential things I need to buy?

The plan is to keep the private yard on for a few months to wind everything down anyway (also have livestock) so worst case scenario is that pony can be moved back

All advice appreciated thank you

These are all my crucial questions from many years of experience and many yards:

1. Do you turn out 365 days a year and if so what does that turnout comprise of?
2. Do you offer assisted DIY, i.e. turnout/bring in and charges for these things?
3. If I am ill or horse is on box rest how much is FDC (full day care)?
4. Does is cost to use the menage lights?
5. What are the yards curfew times? One yard by us only lets you up until 5pm in the winter! No good if you do a 9-5! And if you turn up after 4pm in the winter when its dark do not under any circumstances put your main beam on as it will disturb those living in the house on site!
6. What room do you have for storage, rugs, hay, bedding, feed, general junk?
7. Can you buy your own hay/feed/bedding or do you have to use the yards?
8. How is your tack secured (we have shipping containers)
9. Does the Y.O live on site?
10. Do you do a late night check/hay feed?
11. Can you use your own farrier/phsio/instructor, again I've known yards insist you buy from them or use their instructor.
12. Is it extra cost for trailer/lorry parking (mine is 47p a day for trailer)
13. Do you have a rule for bringing in a horse that will be left on its own? One yard I visited years ago, I asked does the owner of the last horse but one to come in get the last horse left out on its own. The YO replied "Well if I'm here on the yard and I happen to see a horse running around because its been left on its own I will get it in but I can only do that if I am there, and I go home during the day for most of the day". Unbelievable. Someone needs to point out to her that horses are herd animals !

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

"Will I enjoy my pony as much when he is on livery as when he is behind my house?"

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I'm glad to read that you are keeping your yard for a while too in case you need to return to it. My concerns (which of course may come to nothing) are-

1, that you have a youngster and that it can be difficult to give youngstock everything they need RE turnout and appropriate company on a livery yard.

2, RE your previous thread and the difficulties that you have had with your pony's rider and her family. What if things go more wrong with them?

 

[WelshD]

I'm glad to read that you are keeping your yard for a while too in case you need to return to it. My concerns (which of course may come to nothing) are-

1, that you have a youngster and that it can be difficult to give youngstock everything they need RE turnout and appropriate company on a livery yard.

2, RE your previous thread and the difficulties that you have had with your pony's rider and her family. What if things go more wrong with them?

the youngster has been advertised for sale. I am keeping the older pony who is virtually unrehomeable!!

The livery is on my terms, the package, location and yard are all my choice, I think we will all benefit from the structure, routine and facilities.

Thank you to everyone for the comments so far, I have made notes!

The comments about horses left out alone is a real case in point as to why the tips are so useful, I have no qualms about mine being left, he is quiet and calm and would assume that everyone else's equines would be equally happy - this is definitely something that would trip me up!

 

[milliepops]

the youngster has been advertised for sale. I am keeping the older pony who is virtually unrehomeable!!

The livery is on my terms, the package, location and yard are all my choice, I think we will all benefit from the structure, routine and facilities.

Thank you to everyone for the comments so far, I have made notes!

I hope that taking some control over it and hopefully finding some suitable facilities that you aren't 100% responsible for will get everything back on track and you can look forward to some more fun times.

i think the posts above cover the main things, the yards I've been disappointed over have been the ones where the YO is not willing or able to apply their own rules, or where there's a lack of flexibility in awkward circumstances (like needing to attend early or late for a sick horse or to go to shows).

If your YO seems like a level headed bod like you've said that will go a long way to making it run smoothly.
i think I'd ask how long the current liveries have been there (though that can work both ways, last yard there were people who had been there 20 years but turns out they were just institutionalised to YOs bonkers ways, haha) a really high turnaround does indicate a potential problem though.
I think space for stuff/vehicles and restrictions on TO are the main pinch points I've come across, all that can be managed well enough if people are up front with each other at the start and discuss changes in advance.

 

[ihatework]

Over the years these are the areas I tend to look at or ask.

General impression of yard - is it reasonably well maintained? If it’s not then don’t expect stuff to be miraculously fixed just because you have complained. Yards will either be on top of it or they won’t.

If hay/bedding is included in the price, what is the quality like? If there is a bad year and it falls below par are you allowed to supply your own? If hay/haylage/straw doesn’t suit your horse can you pay extra to supply your own and is there any storage for bulk?

Turnout. How does it work in reality? Ask other liveries if you get the chance. If group, how do they introduce new horses? What about hay in fields? Shared poo/ragwort picking etc. If individual what sort of routines do people keep ie are you going to be left dragging in someone else’s rude animal every day, or will yours risk being left alone?

School use is a biggy. How does it work? It can be highly irritating if you can’t access the school routinely during times you want to ride. If everyone is clamboring to book it privately at 5pm after work, it will drive you mad. Even more so if you then plan your ride around it for them to cancel at 4.55. (Bug bear!)

Then other liveries. Be polite and friendly but don’t get drawn into gossip or politics (which can be tricky!). Accept people do things differently. Try to be neat and tidy but expect for others not to be.

Sounds daunting with all the scare stories but I have to say over the years I’ve been on some super yards, even if they weren’t perfect, and made many friends from them.

 

[Lady2021]

Honestly though I would try to make you current yard work.

Livery yards can be bitchy so it important to keep to yourself.

Keep everything locked down especially since you on dly .

A lot of yards have strict rules

make sure you ask if there is turn out in the winter and ask is the turn out restricted .

 

[saddlesore]

I love my yard! Yes there are loads of horror stories from livery yards but there are loads of great ones too. I love the company and knowing that someone is usually around if anything goes wrong. Hopefully you’ve found a good one ?

 

[Nasicus]

If you're going to do it, keep hold of your private place for as long as possible. I've often found that it's all sunshine and roses on a livery yard for the first few months, then the little niggles start to creep in, then the bigger irritations as promises are found to not be 100% truthful, and before you know it you can't wait to leave, and there's slim chance you'll get your private yard back once you let it go.

 

[Billyandme]

Having had my own little rented yard which I had to give up I would never ever want to go back to being on a livery yard on a DIY basis. I am now horseless but will only consider buying another one if I can go part or full livery.

 

[dorsetladette]

Can you restrict grazing if needed. Might not be relevant and it wasn't to me when I first moved on my last place, but turns out I wasn't allowed to restrict. 6 months later new person moved on and they were allowed to as it was asked and discussed before she arrived.

Another one to say hold on to your own place for as long as possible.

 

[EnduroRider]

I think one thing after being at your own place could be to find out how busy does the yard get and when? If you want the company will your timings coincide with others? If you want a quieter time can you make that work? When more peope are on the yard are there still ample places to park your car, tie up your pony etc.

It only occurred to me yesterday when for various reasons I was to-ing and fro-ing at the yard most of the day that I typically miss the busy periods (there are only three of us that work 9-5 and are at the yard early/late, the others all seem to come late morning and/or earlier in the afternoon).

 

[SheriffTruman]

I love my yard, and the people on it. It is great to have a chat with horsey people, to ask for advice, and to help each other out. I don't even lock my tack locker. Although that is not advisable, I'm just lazy and maybe a bit too trustful. That said: Label. All. Of. Your. Stuff. Buckets, forks, brooms, brushes. Then be prepared to have people use it and lose it. Buy new stuff. Label new stuff. Rinse and repeat.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

the youngster has been advertised for sale. I am keeping the older pony who is virtually unrehomeable!!

The livery is on my terms, the package, location and yard are all my choice, I think we will all benefit from the structure, routine and facilities.

Thank you to everyone for the comments so far, I have made notes!

The comments about horses left out alone is a real case in point as to why the tips are so useful, I have no qualms about mine being left, he is quiet and calm and would assume that everyone else's equines would be equally happy - this is definitely something that would trip me up!

I'm sorry but I really don't think that moving to a livery yard is going to solve your problems. If you feel that your arrangements with the child need more structure - then build structure in yourself. Having read your other thread it seems that you almost daren't tell the family what you expect - and now it seems that by moving to a yard, you think YO will enforce expectations.
I maybe remembering wrongly but I thought the youngster was a HOYS prospect? If that is the case why on earth are you selling him?
It is of course, possible to hire facilities. I must say, from a personal pov, I wouldn't move back to a livery yard, for a Lottery win

 

[Firefly9410]

Showing is marked on appearances though. How will you get to HOYS with the pony covered in bite and kick marks? It is inevitable on a livery yard with the unstable and ever changing nature of the herd. I expect you will not be wanting to turn out as much as you think. The best way not to get sucked into drama is to be on the yard when most others are not. What time that will be depends on the yard. Lock up all your stuff or expect it to get borrowed or stolen. Ask if they have rules about what bedding you can use. Ask if hay or bedding is sold on site and if it is do you have to buy from them. Get a map and check the hacking. Walk some of the trails or at least drive there and look down them . Too many times people say hacking is great or plentiful but the truth is only if you are happy to canter on hard stony ground, do 2hr rides or own transport to box to the nicer places.

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

I know - I've had it years and its literally behind my house which does make the decision harder! but we are running to stand still especially in lockdown, a plod around the block once a week for 4 months of winter isn't going to get my pony to HOYS and its not enjoyable for his little rider to be on her own with no facilities. Its not a decision I have arrived at lightly and I will keep my place on for a while so we could always go back there if things are tricky but I honestly think it will be far less stressful for all of us to be on a yard

I've got a kids pony at home, and I'm absolutely torn between keeping her essentially as a pet through the winter and then having just the one hacking route round our neighbour's farm in the summer (and a bit of schooling in the field I guess) or moving her to a DIY yard 20 mins away where the kids could actually do some proper riding. Tough decision.

To be honest, if my mare were a bit less tricky (she cribs very occasionally in the field, but she cribs relentlessly if stabled. Nowhere round here has 24/7 winter turnout! And she's a kicker as well) then I think livery with facilities and/or proper hacking would defo win out for me. And if I had serious showing aspirations then it would be a no brainer. Just focus on all the upsides- riding facilities obvs, but also not having to worry about field maintenance/contractors/fencing etc-you'll just have to deal with one tiny stable! A bit of company, people to talk things through with. You'll probably love it ??

 

[Shysmum]

Can you keep your yard on and get a sharer? I speak from bitter experiences about times on DIY livery yards ?

 

[WelshD]

I'm sorry but I really don't think that moving to a livery yard is going to solve your problems. If you feel that your arrangements with the child need more structure - then build structure in yourself. Having read your other thread it seems that you almost daren't tell the family what you expect - and now it seems that by moving to a yard, you think YO will enforce expectations.
I maybe remembering wrongly but I thought the youngster was a HOYS prospect? If that is the case why on earth are you selling him?
It is of course, possible to hire facilities. I must say, from a personal pov, I wouldn't move back to a livery yard, for a Lottery win

Both ponies are top class, the older one is very quirky so it makes sense to retain him.

a meeting has been had, a plan put in place and we are moving forwards. I’ve made it abundantly clear that we split the mornings and evenings properly.
the child can ride safely while chores are done - I think we will all thrive from this agreement.
I have taken pains to find the very best yard I can within our budget.
If it doesn’t work out then we think again but it’s either this or I will throw the towel in I think.

 

[milliepops]

I can definitely see why moving somewhere with facilities and structure feels like a good move. I would think the neutral environment where everyone has to pull their weight because its shared with others will also help.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Both ponies are top class, the older one is very quirky so it makes sense to retain him.

a meeting has been had, a plan put in place and we are moving forwards. I’ve made it abundantly clear that we split the mornings and evenings properly.
the child can ride safely while chores are done - I think we will all thrive from this agreement.
I have taken pains to find the very best yard I can within our budget.
If it doesn’t work out then we think again but it’s either this or I will throw the towel in I think.

Well I hope it works out for you.