I’ve been getting a lot of requests lately from people or companies seeking a guest post spot on this blog. I’m always happy to consider topics that would interest readers presented in an intelligible fashion. So, if you’d like if you have something useful to share, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Sadly, so many of these requests come in from some remote subordinate who knows nothing about the topic they’re pitching. That doesn’t bode well.
This one caught my eye though, particularly given the large percentage of UK subscribers and book purchasers. The post below is provided on behalf of Vale Stables, which manufactures and supplies equine buildings. They’re based in Warwickshire but supply throughout the UK, Channel Islands and Europe.
Which Type of Livery Do I Need For My Horse?
Owning your own horse can be very rewarding but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities. These include important criteria such as stabling, feeding and exercising. Often choosing a livery isn’t as simple as finding the nearest one. Instead there are many other factors that you might need to take into consideration. Here are the different types of livery stabling available and the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you decide the best option for you.
Full Livery
Full livery is the equivalent of a five-star service. For a weekly or monthly fee, prices usually include all hay and bedding, mucking out, feeding, grazing, tack cleaning, box rental and exercise. Many have excellent riding country in close vicinity and some have cross country riding and hacking trails on their land. They generally have a good network of vets, dentists and farriers on hand should your horse need their services. All staff involved in the care of your horse are generally highly qualified.
- Advantages – Full livery offers a hassle-free service that gives the owner peace of mind. It’s an ideal stabling solution if you don’t have much time and simply want to enjoy your horse as and when you can.
- Disadvantages – Because of the services on offer, this kind of five star service doesn’t come cheap. Prices can start from around £150.00 per week and are often well in excess of this, depending upon where you go.
Part Livery
Another alternative to a full livery service is part livery. With this option the horse enjoys all of the benefits that a full livery service brings such as food provisions, bedding, mucking out, box rental and grazing, but this doesn’t include exercise.
- Advantages – The main advantage of this option is the price. Often part livery can be around one third cheaper than full livery and is more hands on.
- Disadvantages – Clearly you have to be available to exercise your horse, so you’ll need to make sure that you have the time to do so.
D.I.Y Livery
Do It Yourself, or DIY livery stabling, is often the most popular kind of stabling. A field or paddock and stabling are normally provided in the rental price, but the difference is that the owner undertakes all of the horse’s needs. Often DIY liveries will include other services as an add-on such as mucking out or hay provision, but this isn’t included in the price.
- Advantages – A DIY livery offers a more affordable way to look after your horse and is good for those that have the time and want to learn or undertake all aspects of horse care management.
- Disadvantages – Your horse will require a visit at least twice a day. This may limit the distance you want to travel and therefore your stabling options, whereas distance from your home may not be quite so influential when looking at full or even part livery.
Grass livery
This is a form of DIY livery in which a field or paddock is provided and sometimes a field shelter, but there is no stabling. The arrangement is similar to the horse owner renting a field or paddock except they aren’t responsible for the upkeep of fencing and other facilities. Fees are also often charged per horse and not by the size of the field or paddock.
- Advantages – In terms of cost it’s a much cheaper option and for those who have the time it can be a good arrangement.
- Disadvantages – This is often only a viable option during the grass growing season and when the weather is milder. At other times the horses will need to be stabled elsewhere.
Working Livery
Another option you may want to consider is a working livery. This form of stabling is particularly common around riding schools and means that the horse owner pays the riding school a discounted livery fee in return for the use of the horse for riding lessons.
- Advantages – You receive all the benefits of a full livery service but at a reduced cost. It’s the ideal solution if you don’t have the time to fully look after your horse yourself
- Disadvantages – If you’re particular about others riding your horse, then clearly this isn’t a good option. You may have to travel some distance to find a riding school that suits your needs.
Finding the right livery for your needs and requirements isn’t always easy but by doing your homework and checking out your options, you’re likely to come to an arrangement that suits all parties.
Vale Stables specializes in luxury stables and shelters in various sizes and designs. Find out more information online at www.valestables.com.
