Are DIY Livery Yards a Thing of the Past?

Where do you keep your horse? There are a range of options when it comes to choosing the right home for your horse, or at least there used to be. Here in the Hertfordshire area over the last couple of years we have seen a huge decrease in the number of yards and available grazing in the local area. The biggest change has been the loss of DIY livery yards so do we now have to face the fact that these types of yards are becoming a thing of the past?

In the small village where we have our stables I have recently seen the large riding school (where I learnt to ride) close down and a sizeable DIY livery yard also close its stables doors. As planning permission is now being put forward on our grazing land I wonder if we will be next to go and our options of where to go are looking extremely limited.

So why are so many yards shutting? Firstly, I think many equestrians find themselves in a similar situation to myself. A lot of land owners are cashing in, seeking planning permission and getting a number of houses built on their land. Obviously this is of huge financial gain and don’t get me wrong I can see the appeal when you compare it to collecting your monthly rent from your liveries and being stuck with ongoing yard maintenance. But horses aside, it makes me sad to be loosing so much green land in this area, not to mention the loss of the wildlife habitats. The countryside here is reducing at a rapid rate.

Aside from the impact of housing development, we have also seen a movement in Hertfordshire from DIY yards to 5 day or 7 day livery. The majority of larger yards are now only taking this type of livery. I’m not sure if this is because the demand for this is higher or if this is now the only way it can be financially viable to stay open. In addition I am sure it makes for a smooth running yard when you have a larger number of horses and all of them are on the same routine. But full livery doesn’t suit everyone. Firstly most of us with leisure horses cannot afford the costs or the luxury of paying someone to care for your horse week in week out. In addition, I for one don’t want to give up the daily lifestyle of caring for my horse, it keeps me sane and is really good for my mental health. Plus some of us prefer smaller yards and others like the hustle and bustle of a bigger set up. It’s always about finding the right place for both you and your horse.

So as I look forward I think the future of being able to keep a horse on DIY livery here in Hertfordshire looks pretty worrying. I wonder if this is a problem across the UK or perhaps this area is just one of a few that is becoming less rural. I would love to hear how the yards are set up where you live and if you have noticed any recent changes?