Location is a key factor, as daily travel time can potentially add up. Your decision about location might also be influenced by the availability of hacking routes.
If you decide on livery, the costs will vary depending on the kind you need (DIY, part, working, full) and any additional charges. Yard facilities, and the knowledge and experience of the yard owner, yard manager and staff are also important considerations.
Own Land
Pros
- No livery fees
- No restrictions on your management
- 24/7 access
- Likely to have little or no travel time
Cons
- Greater time commitment
- Need to ensure you have more than one horse. Horses are herd ainmals and need to be kept with other equines in a suitable environment
- More responsibilities - whole yard and grassland management
- May be harder to find support to help provide the horses' care in your absence.
Livery Yard
Pros
- Less of a time commitment - can seek support if the yard has staff or from other liveries.
- On a well-managed yard other liveries become a supportive network.
- May have access to more facilities
- Your horse will have the company of multiple other horses.
Cons
- Cost of livery fees and possible additional charges.
- Possible restrictions on your management - e.g. unable to soak hay
- Possible restrictions on access to the yard - e.g. closes at 8pm
- Possible increased travel time to yard
Riding School - Working Livery
Pros
- Support with the day-to-day care of your horse - whether you are a first time owner or have a busy schedule.
- Support in maintaining your horse's daily exercise regime, to help keep your horse healthy.
- Access to more facilities.
- Your horse will have the company of multiple other horses.
- Cheaper livery option for your horse being used by the riding school, with some Approved Centres cutting livery bills by 50%.
Cons
- Possible rstrictions on your management - e.g. unable to soak hay.
- Possible restriction on access to the yard - e.g. closes at 8pm.
- Restrictions on access to your horse when being used by the riding school.
- Possible increased travel time to yard.
- Horse being handled and ridden by multiple individuals.
Unlike riding schools, livery yards aren’t regulated to meet minimum equine welfare standards. The BHS operates an approval scheme for riding centres and livery yards that prioritises horse care, professional staff, safeguarding, and client safety and satisfaction. All BHS approved centres carry public liability insurance and comply with health and safety legislation.
