Fans of the best New Betting Apps may be familiar with many of the horses housed in the leading training establishments, such as those of the legendary Willie Mullins.
However, not all horses race or call the facilities at Ditcheat, Lambourn, and beyond home. Many reside in livery yards. For those new to the term, here we present a quick guide to the various types and functions of this area of horse care.
What is a Livery Yard?
A livery yard, also known as a boarding stable in some countries, is a facility where horse owners can keep their horses in exchange for a fee. These yards provide services ranging from basic care to full management. Depending on the needs and budget, livery yards come in various types, each offering different levels of care and services. Below are the primary types of livery yards:
DIY livery is the most basic type of livery yard service. In this arrangement, the horse owner is responsible for all aspects of care, including feeding, mucking out (cleaning the stable), turning the horse out to pasture, and exercising. The livery yard provides the stable, field access, and facilities like water and sometimes hay or bedding for an additional fee.
This type of livery is ideal for experienced horse owners with the time and expertise to care for their horse daily. It’s also one of the more affordable options, as the owner does most of the work. However, it requires a significant commitment of time and energy.
In a part livery, the horse owner shares the responsibility for the horse’s care with the livery yard staff. The exact division of duties varies, but typically, the yard will take care of tasks such as feeding, turning out, and mucking out on weekdays, while the owner takes over these responsibilities on weekends or evenings.
Part livery is a popular option for those who cannot commit to daily care due to work or other commitments but still want to be involved. It offers more flexibility than DIY livery and reduces the time pressure on the owner, while also being more affordable than full livery.
Full livery provides comprehensive care for the horse. In this type of livery, the yard staff is responsible for every aspect of care, including feeding, mucking out, grooming, turning out, and exercising. The owner can visit the horse whenever they want without worrying about the day-to-day tasks.
This option is best suited for busy horse owners with limited time to devote to horse care or those who prefer to leave their horse’s management to professionals. Full livery is one of the most expensive options but offers peace of mind as the horse receives consistent, high-quality care.
Assisted livery is a flexible option that sits between DIY and part livery. In this arrangement, the yard offers specific services, which the owner can choose based on their needs. For example, the yard might handle feeding and turning out the horse in the morning, while the owner comes in later to exercise, groom, or bring the horse back in for the night.
This arrangement is suitable for horse owners who want some assistance but still want to be hands-on in their horse’s care. It’s also ideal for those with irregular schedules, as it allows for customization of services.
In a working livery setup, the horse is cared for by the yard in exchange for being used in the yard’s riding school or other equestrian activities. The yard provides all the care, and the horse is regularly exercised as part of its duties.
This option is typically cheaper than full livery because the horse is used to generate income for the yard. However, other riders will partner with the horse, which may not be suitable for every horse or owner. It’s an option for owners who don’t have the time to exercise their horse regularly but still want to ensure they get enough physical activity.
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Grass livery is the most basic form of livery where horses live outdoors all year round with access to shelter, water, and grazing. No stabling is provided, though in some cases, the yard may offer fields with additional hay or minimal shelter during harsher weather conditions.
Grass livery is a popular choice for native breeds or horses that are hardy and can thrive outdoors. It is also one of the cheapest forms of livery, but it requires the horse owner to monitor the horse’s condition closely – especially in extreme weather conditions.
Retirement livery is specifically designed for older horses, no longer ridden or in active work. These yards focus on providing a peaceful environment where the horse can live out its retirement years. The services typically include feeding, health monitoring, and regular grooming, but there may be less emphasis on exercise and training.
This type of livery provides a safe and caring environment for older horses, offering them the chance to live in a herd and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
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