What to ask potential new yard?

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Dizzydancer

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Hi guys,

Any questions you can think of to ask would be great! I will compile a list to take with me as mind always goes blank at those awkward moments!!

Just so you know- its stable, field, school (although quite wet/deep- so will check they are going to fix that once it dries up)

Thanks all.
Any more info you need you can ask!
 
Hours you are allowed at the yard
Turn out - any restrictions - especially weather related and whether in groups or individual
Whether you can book the school, or whether it is just first come first served
Any restrictions on purchasing hay and bedding elsewhere
Any restrictions on instructors you can use in the school

I'd also want to see the stable I was going to get and would like to know what the neighbouring horses are like. Do any have vices?

Sorry that's all i can think of as i have never been on a livery yard as such, always kept horses at friends.
 
the important things for me would be turnout, how much, if its possible for a starvation paddock. Will my horse get stuck in for weeks on end in the winter.
Are the facilities out of use at any times? ( I went to look at a lovely yard once but the indoor school was out of bounds for all the hours I was available to ride my horse).
Can you use and outside instructor?
 
As above &:
Coming & going at unsocial hours?
Parking of trailer/box (if so, any cost?)
If DIY, is cover available for sick/holiday? (cost?)
Shared vet visits?
Is your farrier welcome?
Storage for feed/rugs/etc - is tack secure & covered under yard insurance?

Plenty more to come I expect, hope it goes well for you :)
 
Get a contract before moving your horse stating all the info above etc etc that states a period of notice should you (god forbid) be asked to move or you decide to move.
 
Thanks all.
The only downside i have found so far is can't keep tack there at present as they had the barn roof leak over winter so while being repaired its not secure.
Will write all these down and definitely get a contract.
Some questions i just would never have thought to ask! Ha ha
 
1. How much is it per week?

2. What does that include?

3. What facilities do you have?

4. When are the schools able to be used? Do you need to book? How many horses are allowed in the school at one time?

5. Can hay, shavings, feed be bought from the yard?

6. Are the stables rubber matted?


7. How big are the stables?

8. How much turnout is available? How long for? How many horses per paddock?

9. If my horse breaks a fence for example, who is liable for payment?

10. Is there a contract drawn up?

11. How long is the notice period if I want to leave?

12. Do you provide yard tools?

13. Do you have a price list for extras such as turnout, muck out, rug changes etc?

14. How much hacking is there surrounding the yard?

15. Who does poo picking and field management?

16. Is there a tack room that is shared or is there owners boxes? Is this just for tack, where are rugs stored?

17. Is there a feed room?

18. Where are the owners hay/bedding kept?

19. Is there somewhere to put horseboxes/ trailers?

some of the questions I had prepared when I went to look at livery yards, obviously there are more which will probably come up as you walk round when having a look :)
 
How bitchy is it?

Who is the rudest?

Which horse is likely to cow kick yours?

Is it mandatory to get involved in idle gossip and slagging matches or can you opt out?

:D
 
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