Moving your pony to a new livery yard: a practical checklist
Planning a move to a new livery yard near Thirsk? Prepare your pony's care notes, agree arrival arrangements and make a practical settling-in plan.
11/7/20262 min read
A new yard means new people, different surroundings and a change of routine for your pony. If you are planning a move to livery near Thirsk, a little preparation can make the handover clearer for everyone involved.
The aim is not to have every detail memorised. It is to agree the important arrangements before travelling, then give your pony time to become familiar with the new setting.
Agree the move before booking transport
Confirm that the yard can accommodate your pony's needs and agree a moving date with both yards. Check your current notice period, any outstanding payments and the new livery agreement before making firm arrangements.
Ask the receiving yard:
Who should you contact on arrival, and where should you unload?
What records or pre-arrival checks are required?
What is the new-arrival separation or quarantine procedure?
What feed, forage, bedding and equipment should you bring?
Who will be responsible for each part of your pony's care from arrival onwards?
These are questions to agree with the yard, not a universal arrival policy. Keep your own vet involved where your pony has particular health or management needs.
Make a one-page care handover
Write down your pony's current routine rather than relying on a quick conversation on moving day. Include usual feeds and forage, turnout and stabling arrangements, handling preferences and contact details for the professionals involved in their care.
Record any veterinary instructions accurately, including who to contact if there is a concern. Share information directly with the people responsible for your pony, not in a public social-media post.
It can help to separate the handover into three parts: the current routine, anything that must be discussed with your vet, and practical preferences such as where your pony's labelled equipment is kept.
Plan changes with the receiving yard
Ask whether bringing some familiar feed or forage is appropriate and how any transition will be managed. Do not assume that the new yard uses the same products, quantities or feeding arrangements as the old one.
Discuss introductions to other ponies with the yard team. Follow the agreed biosecurity arrangements rather than allowing immediate contact simply because the ponies appear interested in one another.
Keep moving day organised
Pack what you need for the journey separately from the equipment that can be put away later. Check transport arrangements, required documents and emergency contacts in advance. If using a transporter, confirm that they have the appropriate licences and insurance.
Ask about access and unloading before setting off; a postcode alone may not explain which entrance to use. Aim to arrive at the agreed time, when someone is expecting you, rather than turning up early and hoping the yard is ready.
Review the first days together
Agree how you and the yard will share updates, who is checking your pony and when to discuss how the new routine is working. Avoid setting a fixed deadline by which your pony “should” have settled. Individuals respond differently to change.
If you notice a health concern, seek veterinary advice rather than assuming it is simply part of settling in. Clear communication is more useful than trying to solve every concern on your own.
Planning a move near Thirsk?
Pasture House Livery is in South Kilvington, near Thirsk, and caters for ponies 15hh and under. You can explore our advertised livery packages and contact the team to discuss your pony, current availability and a yard visit before making moving arrangements.
Still deciding how much support you need? Our full, part and assisted DIY comparison is a useful starting point.
Pasture House Farm Ltd
Quality care for your ponies in Thirsk.
Contact Us
Pasture House Livery, Pasture House Farm, Stockton Road, South Kilvington, YO7 2LT. We are in South Kilvington near Thirsk, with access from the A19. Please contact us to arrange your visit. Email: info@pasturehouse.co.uk
Call: 07818 378351
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