Does anyone here keep a horse at livery? If so. Do you have a formal agreement? And if you do, would you mind posting or e-mailing me with a broad outline of what's in it?

The yard where I keep Wilby is run by a friend. She is going for BHS livery yard approval. Between us we are drafting up a livery agreement, we have used the BHS crib sheet and info from the net, but we'd welcome suggestions from those who already have them. Especially things in the agreement that don't work, or you wish had been clearly laid down at the start.

All info appreciated. And in return we'll send you a headbutt from Wilby

Hi, one idea is to photgraph each horse on arrival at the yard, straight out of the lorry without rugs/bandages, with close ups of any scars, injuries, splints etc, so that the yard owner cant be blamed for them in the future. Photgraph and list all tack/equipment that arrives with it. The condition of the horse/equipment on arrival is there is full colour!! One yard I worked at nearly got into awful straights when a client said her show horse had lost condition and gained splints on both forelegs since it had arrived and threatened court action. Luckily the photos proved her wrong and she was asked to take the horse somewhere else for livery! If clients ask why the horses were being photographed on arrival they were told it was for security and recognition of markings etc in case the horse was stolen - another good reason to do it! The yard also wormed and vaccinated and shod the horses themselves and it was added to the livery bill, so that they knew when all the horses had been "done" to avoid a worm or flu problem starting up, rather than leave it to the owners, and it possibly it would not be done regularly enough. If you intend leaving headcollars on horses when turned out get written agreement from the owner that a) they are happy for the horse to be turned out with others and b) about the wearing of a headcollar - in case of accidents. If the horse needs to be got ready for hunting/competition you should require at least a few days notice and expected eta and return. I'm dodging the head btt - now - duck.

Hi 9th

Im at DIY livery., but do have part livery time to time.,

I dont have anything in writing., but the woman who runs the yard is a friend of the family.

I would itemise everything the horse comes with., and maybe make up a list yourself of does and don'ts...I have always been very careful and had everything in writing., ie, how much notice to give either side., what the horse came with., what the payment is and when., exactly what they are getting for their payment etc...

Sorry can't be much more help..

nat

Hi 9th

Have a livery agreement but may not be much use as it's for a horse at grass - my yard is also run by a good friend and I find that this agrrement helps us stay that way - think they are very important. Please email me if you would like the details of this contract.

Kirsty\s

9th

I don't keep mine at livery any more but when I used to we had an agreement - I will try to find it and email a copy to you.

I would include (if you havn't already and they apply to the yard):
1) Stables - which one you will be assigned, arangements for if you want to move you horse to a different one, what will be done in the stable - mucking out, water, hays etc and how much bedding/hay you are allowed (this can be a very big issue).
2) Turnout - how much turnout you can expect for your horse ie how much space, number of horses in one field, length of turnout, how often, arrangements for winter when the fields get muddy, who is responsable for poo picking & weeding/Ragwort pulling and other field maintenance.
3) Use of arena - Can you book the arena for sole use if you are having a lesson etc, How much you have to pay for using flood lights, how often you can expect it to be levelled
4) Storage - where can you keep your tack, rugs etc

I think thats all for now but if I think of anything else I will let you know

Tracy