DIY Livery

[Fergie Ploughman]

I have a few acres of paddocks and a couple of un-used stables and keep debating whether to let someone rent the stable and allow grazing for a pony/horse. Longer term I plan to do more with the grass eg sheep, hay, etc. I haven't the time at the moment and the fencing isn't good enough for sheep! Does anyone know if I need insurance for a single DIY livery or is it up to the person who owns the horse ? Are there any good sources of information on the subject, decent websites, etc ? I'm certainly not planning a massive livery yd, just something to assist with a kid/families hobby...

 

[The Son]

We have a DIY livery yard for about a dozen horses, we insure ourselves, and our customers also have their horse insured.

It can be a nice little earner, just quietly ticking over, or it can be a fudging nightmare. We have been doing it for 20 years, and you think you have seen it all, but then they surprise you again.

Any prospective customers get references, and check them properly, as a new yard you will probably be targeted by the owners that can't get anywhere because the are a pain. If you do have problems with an owner or a horse, get rid, and quick, don't be drawn in by their sob stories, one bad owner can turn the rest sour very quickly.

We have a nice settled group of customers at the moment, and I enjoy having them on the farm as it is someone different to talk to.

 

[chaffcutter]

We’ve done diy livery for years, you need third party insurance in case of damage being caused through your bad fences, open gates or whatever, or to their horses, but owners need their own insurance as well..
teenage girls with horses are a nightmare.
^^^^^^^ see above !

 

[honeyend]

I have smallholders insurance that covers me for so many DIYs and pitched tents. I would rent it on a 11month license to graze, money up front and a muck removal deposit. There are a lot with horse owners who are completely bonkers, want something for nothing, and it could be an over grazed rubbish tip in no time.

 

[theboytheboy]

Big deposit, references, written contract, sight of insurance policies, etc are a must. Treat it like you would a tennant in a house or commercial unit.

Livery list is a good website.

 

[Fergie Ploughman]

Thanks for the real prompt replies, very useful/interesting, and much appreciated!

@honeyend who do you have your smallholders insurance with ? I have NFU insurance but that's just for my tractors, I haven't spoke to them yet as I've just started looking into it properly.

 

[Dry Rot]

I got a very good quote from Greenland of about £600 for 30 acres, plus house and buildings, etc. That was after paying my current insurers over £800 17 days previously. When I tried to cancel my insurance to sign up with Greenland I was told the cooling off period was 14 days, so I could not cancel without paying a penalty. My insurers very generously offered a rebate on the unused 348 days of their policy if I wanted to cancel -- of over £200, so I would lose out! I think Greenland's included up to 5 liveries, so worth checking. That's the price of trying to keep my business local.

 

[D14]

Keep your price high and you won’t get sob story idiots applying.