How To Choose A Livery Yard for Your Horse

Choosing a livery for your horse is a difficult task and it involves a lot of thought.  You just can’t leave your horse in any old yard. As a responsible and compassionate horse owner, you must always do a lot of research before choosing a livery yard.

Talk to other horse owners: Getting first hand information from horse owners can prove beneficial. Always have list of things that you want to know before approaching a livery yard. This will help you ask the right questions without wasting time. By talking to other horse owners, you can find out the pros and cons of various yards.  Such discussions can get you the information you require in regards to the various liveries on offer.

Visit a few yards

Even if you are an experienced horse owner, you should visit at least 5-10 livery yards. Never select the very first one you visit.  Compare the facilities provided by the yards you visit and their prices to enable you to make the right choice.

Select a yard nearby

Distance of the yard from your home is also a key factor; especially, if you want to visit the livery yard on a regular basis. However, if you want the best facilities possible from a livery yard then you may need to travel a little further afield. If you live in Hampshire, Andover or Winchester, you can choose from a livery in Hampshire, livery in Andover or a livery in Winchester as all three are very close to each other.

Check out the facilities

This is an important aspect when it comes to making an informed decision. Don’t just read about the facilities, check them out yourself to make sure everything is in good condition and as good as people say they are. A good yard these days could offer a solarium with red light therapy for the overall well being of horses. They may also offer a hot wash or a horse massage to relax the horses.

Check the condition of stables

Are the stables clean, well-ventilated and spacious? Do they have a proper drainage system? These are  very important aspects to ensure that your horse is safe and comfortable.

Ask about the price

After visiting a few yards, you should be able to compare the facilities and difference in price for all the yards you have visited. Do check what is included in the price and what if anything is additional.

Check the security of the yard

It is important to know if the yard is secure. Do they have sturdy gates and fences? What about CCTV?  Are they well-equipped to handle a fire.  Also, do ask about  the first aid procedure. These are very important for the safety of your horse and you when you are visiting the yard.

The ideas above will help you choose the right livery yard for you and your horse.