Whether you are a horse lover or own a business, you might be interested in leasing an equestrian yard. Livery yards are often attached to authorised farms. They can be a single stable block or a large, fully equipped yard. They can be used for grazing, riding, training, or as a livery. Before you lease a yard, you need to consider the various factors involved.
The most basic criteria to consider include location, facilities available, and the lease terms. For example, does the landlord have the ability to provide you with an electric fence? If so, will the electric be powered by the mains supply or batteries? If not, will you be required to install it yourself? Also, will the landlord allow you to upgrade your facilities during the lease? You should also consider the maintenance of private drains and water supply pipes.
The most expensive aspect of a livery yard to rent is maintenance, so make sure you have a plan in place before you sign a contract. You may also need to purchase insurance for your property and contents. Make sure you understand the requirements of the insurance policy. If the yard is for a full livery, it’s a good idea to also get a good public liability insurance policy.
A good livery yard to rent should be well maintained and have good curb appeal. This will increase the chances of attracting interest from prospective liveries. Also, a well maintained yard will look more inviting to potential customers.
A well maintained yard should also have a good clean water supply. Using an impermeable lagoon or other suitable disposal system will help avoid contaminating the water supply. It’s also important to provide adequate space for grazing. If your horses are confined to a yard, you should make sure that the grazing areas have adequate space to accommodate them. In the event that the field becomes unusable due to adverse weather, you should provide an alternative area for your horses.
Another feature to look for in an equestrian yard to rent is an outdoor schooling area. This should be well lit to attract potential customers and allow evening riding during the winter months. In addition, it should have adequate facilities for grooming and feeding your horses. A separate staff toilet will also be useful. You should also make sure that the yard has adequate parking spaces.
The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs has published guidelines for a number of equestrian-related features. These include a code of practice for the disposal of waste from yards and the use of muck heaps. The code of practice also suggests that muck heaps should not be placed near water sources. In addition, a code of practice for the maintenance of horse grazing fields should be taken into consideration.
It’s also a good idea to get your yard’s equestrian-related features approved by the British Horse Society. It’s not required, but it can make life easier for you and your livery tenants. You should also make sure that you have a clear livery agreement that sets out the rules of operation and the obligations of your tenants.