Business Advice

How to get the most out of the crazy horse:   After writing a previous article some time ago, detailing how riders can get the most out of their lazy horses, I had the time to reflect on just how many different types of horses I’ve come across throughout my life so far. Having owned, loaned and ridden quite a large variety of horses, I know all too well how unique each horse can be. Following the article focused on the horses with a steadier outlook on life, who’d rather...

Across all industries, prices are increasing, and the equestrian industry is no different. Soaring costs for yard owners are resulting in huge difficulties for them and their clients in terms of the sustainability of running their yard or keeping their equines.   A recent investigation from SEIB Insurance Brokers confirmed this with a pair of nationwide surveys finding out how these increasing costs are affecting yard owners and their clients. The surveys confirmed that yard owners ...

As a yard owner and at a time when the cost of running a business is increasing, it is important that you put changes in place to make sure that these are reflected in the costs of your services for your clients, yet many yard owners are unsure how to deal with what is often deemed a delicate situation.   Bills - particularly electricity and fuel- have been increasing rapidly in recent weeks with many yard owners finding that this is directly affecting the running costs of their equ...

Health and safety must be a primary consideration for all business owners, especially those that own equestrian premises. Not only do you have a duty of care to yourself and your staff, but as a business that is classed as being “open to members of the public” – albeit your riding or livery clients – you must ensure that steps are taken to protect them as well.

Gone are the days when you could simply turn up at a yard with your horse, pay money and ‘be a livery’. The ever increasing expectations and responsibilities of yard owners means that best practice guidance requires a substantial amount of information to be checked and recorded for professional yard owners. It is important to have a paper trail, and to have detailed information on the horses in your care. In the event of any disputes, this can go a long way to helping resolve an issue. It...

The events of 2020, continuing into 2021, have changed the way many run their business. Livery yards and equestrian centres have been particularly hard hit; not only by the effects of closure or reduced income, but also by the lack of clarification in rules and the subsequent people management involved when the rules have not been particularly clear. It has made many yard owners consider how they can improve their yard for the better moving forward.