What to Look for in a Livery Yard: 10 Must-Have Features

Choosing the right livery yard is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a horse owner. Your horse’s safety, wellbeing, and happiness depend on finding a yard that’s reliable, professional, and suits your lifestyle. But with so many options out there, what really matters? To help you decide, here are 10 must-have features every livery yard should offer.

5/8/20241 min read

1. Safe, Well-Maintained Stables

Your horse deserves a clean, secure, and comfortable stable. Look for well-ventilated barns with good lighting, solid walls, and safe flooring.

2. Quality Grazing and Turnout

Horses thrive on daily turnout. Check that fields are well-fenced, not overcrowded, and rotated to keep the grass healthy.

3. Reliable Feeding and Forage

Consistent feeding routines keep horses healthy and stress-free. Make sure the yard offers good-quality hay/haylage and can accommodate special dietary needs.

4. Experienced and Caring Staff

Knowledgeable staff are essential for spotting health issues and keeping horses happy. A good yard will have a friendly, reliable team who treat every horse like their own.

5. Flexible Livery Packages

Every horse owner has different needs. A great yard offers Full, Part, or DIY livery, with the flexibility to adjust as your circumstances change.

6. Riding Facilities

From arenas to jumping paddocks, access to good riding facilities makes a huge difference. Even better if they’re well-lit and all-weather, so you can ride year-round.

7. Secure Tack Rooms

A tack room should be dry, organised, and—most importantly—secure. Look for individual lockers or CCTV as added peace of mind.

8. Horse Health Support

Does the yard have good links with local vets, farriers, physios, and dentists? Easy access to equine professionals is a huge plus.

9. Friendly Community

A supportive atmosphere makes horse ownership more enjoyable. Look for a yard with friendly clients, social events, and a sense of community.

10. Location and Accessibility

A livery yard should fit into your lifestyle. Consider travel time, parking, and access to hacking routes or bridleways.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a livery yard, remember it’s not just about cost—it’s about finding the right environment for both you and your horse. A great yard provides peace of mind, reliable care, and facilities that make horse ownership a joy rather than a chore.

At Pasture House Livery, we pride ourselves on offering all of these features and more. Why not come and see for yourself? Book a visit today and find out why our clients (and their horses!) love being part of our yard.