ABRS Launches Membership Service For Livery Yards

The Association of British Riding Schools has announced the launch of a new dedicated membership pathway which recognises and promotes the high standards of livery yards. The decision to expand membership to include livery yards came following a number of focus groups, run in conjunction with LiveryList.

The new scheme offers a new way for livery yards to be promoted to horse owners. As well as accreditation, the new scheme offers yard owners representation and support at a national level, something that has been evidently missing during the Covid-19 outbreak. This will enable yard owners to have a voice for their industry.

The scheme has been developed with the input of yard owners, taking into account services and benefits that have been suggested, and allowing a scheme to be created and developed that can include yard owners of all size yard, offering any type of livery. It is hoped in the long term the scheme can raise the expected standards of livery yards and increase the value of the livery industry.

The scheme will also educate horse owners as to what they should be looking for in livery yards, the procedures and protocols they should have in place to best serve their clients and their client’s horses. The level of service and competence offered by a yard can greatly affect the satisfaction of their livery clients and the welfare of horses in their care. This new scheme aims to help the yards with high standards of welfare and management stand out from the crowd.

Whilst the ABRS is traditionally linked with riding schools, it is an established and longstanding equestrian association, and with many members progressing from their approved riding schools to buying a horse or pony and seeking livery, this seems the perfect fit with their existing service. There is no requirement to be a riding school to take advantage of this membership. The advantage also being that the ABRS is an association solely for its members, rather than the scheme being a small part of a larger equestrian association. 

Acting Chair of the ABRS Jane Williams said, “The focus groups bought to our attention that many livery yards find it difficult to fit into other membership models which has left them feeling quite unsupported, especially during 2020 which has been testing for all.” 

"A large number of our existing riding centres offer a livery service so the expansion is a natural one, fits perfectly with the resources and our values of promoting the highest standards while supporting our members. We are looking forward to welcoming livery yards of any size from any sector to the ABRS and being able to support them and their business.”

The scheme not only allows yards to promote themselves as certified or approved yards, but as a member body of British Equestrian, the ABRS will represent their member yards to BEF and other key national equestrian bodies, as well as communicating their needs and concerns to local and national government. The ABRS has an excellent track record of representing their riding schools, including securing Business Rates Relief/Grants for Riding Schools, and are currently lobbying MP's so equestrian facilities can access the Sport Relief Fund. 

Cheryl Johns, Founder of LiveryList said, “The new livery yard scheme from the ABRS will undoubtedly be a welcome addition, enabling yard owners to understand and promote best practice and management of their yards and facilities."

"It will also allow education of horse owners across the country as to the important aspects they should be considering when choosing a livery yard."

"The scheme will offer much needed support and recognition to yard owners, and peace of mind to horse owners that all approved and certified yards within the ABRS scheme offer a high standard of care and welfare.”

ABRS Livery Yard members will be able to display their own unique ABRS Approved or Certified Livery Yard plaque, assuring existing and potential new clients that they offer a quality service alongside the highest standard of care.

ABRS members will also enjoy benefits including a Standard Listing for their livery yard on LiveryList and Horsemart, including access to templates and resources for yard administration on the Yard Owner Hub, as well as full membership to the Equestrian Employers Association offering employment, general health and safety guidance, support and documentation, including tailored documentation for your business. 

Members will have access to regular conferences and training opportunities to assist with their professional and business development. Members will also have access to training and education resources, allowing them to educate their liveries and diversify what they offer their clients, should they wish to.

Members will also benefit from exciting ABRS marketing initiatives, including national advertising and editorial placement, access to advice and support through regular discussions with Trustees and Advisors, a member helpline, a regular newsletter, and of course the website, for information, updates, and tools.

With affordable membership options Livery Yards can chose between being certified or approved from an introductory rate of just £99 a year.

To find out more about becoming an ABRS Livery Yard member go to: ABRS Join as a Livery Yard

LiveryList is the UK’s #1 Livery Yard Directory and Yard Owner Resource. As well as advertising for livery yards, equestrian centres and riding schools across the UK, LiveryList invests time and resources into supporting yard owners best manage their yards practically and administratively.  You can find more details at www.liverylist.co.uk