livery yards Choosing the right livery yard
Whatever the reason for seeking out a livery yard, owners want to choose an establishment that is both reputable and well run, to ensure they provide the very best for their horse. It can be daunting trusting your horse with someone and although there are plenty of livery yards around, it is important to know that the standards of care are as high as you expect. That is why The British Horse Society (BHS) runs its livery yard approval scheme, providing reassurance to horse owners. If you do not have your own land or stables, then the chances are you are going to have to keep your horse at a livery yard. The services offered by livery yards differ greatly and it is important to find one that is suitable for horse and owner. Looking after and caring for a horse can be incredibly time consuming at times and some owners, who have a busy lifestyle, may not have the time to spend hours down at the yard every day if it’s needed. For those who have very little time on their hands and may be unable to muck out, turnout and feed their horse every day, a yard offering a full livery service is the best choice. Although this option is more expensive, it ensures that the horses are getting the best possible care. Others choose ‘DIY’ livery, where
www.theequinesite.co.uk
you are responsible for most – if not all – of your horse’s care. The services offered with this option differ greatly between yards. Whilst some include food and bedding in a DIY package, others expect the horse owner to provide their own. These details are decided by agreement between the livery owner and horse owner. Deciding what level of service you require is the first step when choosing a new livery yard. Once you know the type of yard you are looking for, the best advice is to start asking around and get recommendations. Speaking to other owners can give a good feel to what the yard is like and whether it will suit your needs.
BHS Approval The BHS website enables horse owners to search a database of more than 800 BHS Approved Centres. BHS approval proves that the livery yard has reached at least the minimum standards of horse care, welfare and facilities expected by most horse owners, providing you with peace of mind. To become a BHS Approved livery yard, the yard will be subject to a thorough initial inspection. Once approved, all yards then receive annual inspections and aspects of the yard will be graded in line with the approval criteria:
approved, commended or highly commended. The daily needs of all horses and ponies at a BHS approved centre must be the first priority. To be approved, there are several aspects of horse welfare that need to be met. This includes access to shelter, suitable foodstuffs and water as well as evidence of regular and professionally undertaken foot care. On top of this, horses on the yard must have a structured management and care programme. First impressions and customer care are significant aspects of the approval, and it is important that everyone receives a warm welcome. The yard must meet the approval criteria for customer care, such as welcoming and friendly staff, a clear communication system and where required, safeguarding policies should be in place. All approved centres must have a safe and well maintained yard, adequate sized stabling and clean bedding to ensure comfort for the horse. All the factors mentioned are vital components in ensuring that your horse receives the best possible care. Although entrusting your beloved horse with someone else can seem an unnerving task, the BHS livery yard approval scheme is here to provide reassurance and peace of mind to owners.
If you want to find out more information about BHS Approved livery yards in your area, or to see the full list of approved livery yards, visit the BHS website
www.bhs.org.uk Or, if you own a yard and would like more information to become an approved centre, visit the BHS website or email the Approvals Department at
Approvals@bhs.org.uk
Equine Page 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
