What is the norm RE finding livery?

[Bexx]

I have finally managed to track down phone numbers of a few livery yards in my area. I have been struggling to find anywhere with vacancies and have therefore put off buying a horse due to fear of having no where to put it!

I called a livery yard that sounded like it would be what I was looking for. I was polite on the phone and asked what livery packages they offered, how much they charge and to they have space or a waiting list if not. Lady replied "do you have a horse? Where do you keep it" I then explained my situation and told her I was looking for a stable before I continue my search for a horse, however I do have a couple of viewings lined up. She then replied "So you don't even have a horse? Get in touch when you do" and put the phone down

So my question is what do I do? Find a horse then franticly search for a yard and end up on one that is not suitable? Or continue to look for a yard? I feel like both sellers and livery owners see me as a potential timewaster because I do not already have a stable/horse. But surely everyone has to start somewhere?!

ETA I am neither naive nor a timewaster, I am perfectly prepared to pay a deposit on the stable and pay my livery before the arrival of my horse

 

[HayleyDL]

I would always find a yard and then find a horse. Agree with you

 

[Dumbo]

How strange - it makes sense to find a yard before buying a horse!
I was fortunate in that i found a yard, then began searching a week later bought the horse I had been sharing.
Perhaps some yards, inc the one you inquired about are thinking that you may not find a horse for a few months and don't want to hold an empty stable? Not sure!
But good luck with your horse search!

 

[FireFly29]

I think your doing the right thing. I was in a similar situation as I moved to a new area so was out of the horsey loop.
Maybe someone on here will be able to suggest somewhere if you say what area your in?

 

[Bexx]

I think your doing the right thing. I was in a similar situation as I moved to a new area so was out of the horsey loop.
Maybe someone on here will be able to suggest somewhere if you say what area your in?

I have posted on here and my regional board with no luck

 

[*sprinkles*]

Of course you should find somewhere for your horse to live before purchasing, where else would you keep him/her in the meantime -in your back yard?! I'm not being critical of you OP. I think you sound very sensible to be planning ahead. I'm more shocked at the rude attitude of the yard owner you spoke to, putting the phone done on you! I think that's the last place you'd want to keep your horse if that is an example of their customer service I think some yard owners forget that it's a business they're running and the customers pay the bills!

 

[FireFly29]

Just checked your other thread and I'm nowhere near you, so can't suggest anywhere, sorry!
I hope you find somewhere!

 

[OldNag]

Well I think you're being sensible. That's what I did, didn't even start looking for a horse until I'd found a livery yard. My garden just isn't big enough!!

 

[Bexx]

Of course you should find somewhere for your horse to live before purchasing, where else would you keep him/her in the meantime -in your back yard?! I'm not being critical of you OP. I think you sound very sensible to be planning ahead. I'm more shocked at the rude attitude of the yard owner you spoke to, putting the phone done on you! I think that's the last place you'd want to keep your horse if that is an example of their customer service I think some yard owners forget that it's a business they're running and the customers pay the bills!

I know what you mean! The yard sounded perfect, more facilities than I expected, offered turn out or bring in and was well under my budget. No wonder she has stables spare if that is her attitude. Have spoken to a lovely YO tonight but she only offers full livery but has given me some more ideas

 

[Silvermiyazawa]

People can be odd!

Years ago I had sudden notice that my yard was closing. I had pharyngitis and could barely speak. I phoned a yard who thought I was one of their friends mucking about and refused to take me seriously. I suggested that I put the phone down, they checked the number and phoned me back. They did and then THEY were rude!! Needless to say they did not get mu business.

I took a number today (just in case I accidentally buy a horse) and the thought crossed my mind that they might think I was wasting their time as I have no horse as yet. Obviously though it makes perfect sense to find a yard before you have a horse tied to your gatepost. Hopefully you just got an oddball!

eta: I have found more than one yard by simply being cheeky and knocking on doors (or in one case collaring a lady who was bathing her horse in the yard). Not everyone advertises.

 

[OldNag]

I should have added... I found pony for my daughters at the livery yard. I said I wanted to reserve a livery space, they asked what sort of pony I was looking for... I found there was a perfect one for sale there. So I had a yard and a pony sorted within the week. If only it was always that easy!

Good luck OP.