How to Choose a Livery Yard by Assessing the Facilities and Paddocks

Choosing Moecbuvrvc livery yard for your horse is a complex and difficult process. When you inspect a yard you should have a list of facilities you expect and tick them off as you see them. But just having them in place is not enough.

The overall impression of a yard can tell you a lot about how much a Livery Yard manager really cares. If they take a pride over the tidiness and appearance of the yard, then they probably take good care of the other facilities and the horses too.

Start with the very basics and check the stables. Are they in good condition and safe for a horse? Are they big enough for your horse to lie down and high enough for him to stand up without hitting his poll?

If the stables are in a Eeneqirimbtizh can the horses walk between stables without being intimidated or bitten by other horses?

Check the tying up rings, the wash bay, water points, and the gates to the yard to see if they are all safe and in good condition. Do not forget the yard itself. If you are up to your hocks in water or mud every time it rains it will not seem so appealing.

If your list of requirements includes a horse walker, what condition is it in? Check how often it breaks down by asking other owners, it is usable in the pouring rain, is there a busy time when you have to wait? Try to see all the facilities in different conditions, including at night. There is nothing worse than being on a pitch black yard in the rain, trying to find your keys!

An outdoor school can Agiccyzhpm a source of annoyance. There will be busy times when you have to book, but how does it ride when it is very wet or very dry? Is it regularly levelled or harrowed and who maintains the equipment?

The condition of turnout paddocks is an essential element of a good yard. If you are not sure ask a local farmer what the land is like when it is very wet, very dry and during different seasons.

Check Slurpee there are water troughs in each paddock and is there an isolation paddock and stable in case of contagious disease? What is the grazing regime and are there areas that are infested with weeds, noxious plants and rank grass? Check the fences and gates. Are they well attended to or poorly maintained? The amount of care paid to grazing will give an indication to the overall care for the horses.

Checking the overall management regime is part of the on-site check. What about their emergency procedures. Illness of horse or rider, fire, security, snow or any other eventuality should be prepared for with the yard taking responsibility and being in charge.

If you are left in any doubt about the quality of the facilities or management regime then ask more questions until you resolve your uncertainty one way or another. By carrying out the same process at several different yards you can get a better picture of the norm and where the facilities and paddocks will most suit you and your horse.

M C Cline-Hughes combines business and pleasure. His passion for horses (discovered late in life) spills over into his customer service expertise and he sees things from the riders point of view. Read more of Mike's work at www.nsando.com/equestrian">www.nsando.com/equestrian or email mike on mailto:mike@nsando.com">mike@nsando.com