The seven steps to choosing a livery patio

If you are not lucky enough to have your horse at home, you will need to find some type of livery. Here are the seven steps to choosing the right livery yard for you

Step one: know what you want to do with your horse and what facilities you will need
If you like to hack and just have fun, you may not enjoy a playground where everyone else competes every week or vice versa. The facilities available are unlikely to meet your needs and the price may not be as expected.

Step two: decide how far you will travel
If you think DIY decorating is for you, the distance from the patio can be a deal breaker, but if you think you need a patio with lots of facilities, you may need to travel further.

Step Three: Talk to Homeowners on Some Yards and Get Their Feedback
Once you have a list of possible homes for your horse, go to the yards and talk to some of the other livery clients. Are they happy to tell you how good it is or are they reluctant to be too effusive?

Step four: look at the quality of the facilities, including support
Whatever facilities you want, they must be in good condition. Check how often they break or are unusable. Try to see the garden in different climates and times of the day. Check the status of participation throughout the year.

Step Five: What Rules and Regulations Are There?
Some yards have very clear restrictions on when owners can be on site and what you can do, others are less prescriptive. Check that the rules fit in with your usual routine. The small details may seem harmless enough, but six months later they become problems or sticking points that, if understood or resolved before the start of the relationship, would have no consequences later.

Step six: compare yard standards and facilities
A selection of shipyards with a variety of facilities and across the price spectrum is worth taking a look at. Only when you have a clear understanding of all the alternatives can you be sure that you are making the right decision.

Step Seven: What does the price include and is it reasonable?
After you've looked at a variety of different patios, you'll be in a position to make price and facility comparisons. Like any contractual arrangement, you should always read the fine print. What does the price include and what will be additional to the quoted price?

These seven steps will allow the horse owner to ensure that when choosing a Livery yard they will be in the best position to ensure that they make the right decision for you and your horse.