Horse livery is the term used in the UK and Ireland for the boarding of a horse at a professional yard, where the owner pays for accommodation, care, and facilities. It is the standard arrangement for horse owners who cannot keep their horse at home and is central to how equestrian sport and leisure operate in Britain. Choosing the right livery yard and understanding what each type of arrangement includes is one of the most important decisions a horse owner makes.
Types of Horse Livery
Livery arrangements vary significantly in the level of care included and the corresponding cost. The main types are:
Full livery: The yard takes complete responsibility for the horse’s day-to-day care, including feeding, mucking out, turning out and bringing in, rugging, grooming, and exercising. The owner simply arrives to ride. This is the most expensive option and is typically used by people who travel frequently, have limited physical ability, or who own high-value competition horses in professional training yards.
Part livery: The yard handles the core daily tasks — usually feeding, mucking out, and turning out — whilst the owner is responsible for the horse’s exercise, grooming, and specific care tasks. Part livery offers a middle ground between full and DIY arrangements, and the exact split of responsibilities varies between yards. Always clarify in writing what is and is not included.
DIY livery: The owner rents the stable and access to facilities but carries out all horse care themselves. The yard provides the space, water, and often hay or forage at additional cost, but the owner does everything else. DIY livery is the most affordable option and suits owners who want hands-on involvement with their horse and have the time to commit to daily yard visits — including on Christmas Day.
Competition livery: A specialist arrangement at performance-focused yards, often including training by the yard owner or a resident coach, competition preparation, lorry transport to events, and close management of diet and fitness. This is the livery model used by most professional competition riders and those with horses in professional training.
Grass livery: The horse lives out in a field year-round rather than being stabled. Lower cost than stable-based arrangements, but not suitable for all horses or all climates. The owner is still responsible for supplementary hay, rugging, health care, and farriery.
What to Look for in a Livery Yard
When choosing a horse livery yard, several factors matter beyond the monthly cost:
Facilities: A good yard should have a safe, well-maintained stable block, secure paddocks, an all-weather or grass riding arena, and ideally access to hacking routes. Covered wash-down areas, secure tack storage, and good lighting are practical necessities.
Management standards: Observe how the yard is run. Are stables clean, paddocks well-maintained, and horses well-presented? Ask about the yard’s emergency protocols, veterinary and farriery arrangements, and vaccination requirements for resident horses.
Yard culture: The social environment at a livery yard matters more than many people expect. Yards with a good community feel, clear yard rules, and professional management tend to produce fewer conflicts and a more enjoyable experience for horses and owners alike.
The British Horse Society provides guidance on livery yard standards and a list of BHS-approved yards at bhs.org.uk. For context on day-to-day horse care responsibilities, see the horse care section, and see grazing for information on pasture management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does horse livery cost in the UK?
Costs vary widely depending on location, yard type, and level of service. In 2024, DIY livery typically ranges from around £100 to £250 per month in rural areas, rising to £300 to £500 or more in commuter belts and near major cities. Part livery commonly runs from £300 to £600 per month, and full livery from £600 to well over £1,500 per month at premium competition yards. These figures do not include farriery, veterinary costs, or supplementary feed.
What are my legal obligations as a livery horse owner?
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, horse owners are legally responsible for ensuring their horse’s welfare regardless of where the horse is kept. This includes ensuring the horse receives appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, suitable living conditions, and the ability to express normal behaviour. Keeping a horse at livery does not transfer legal responsibility to the yard unless explicitly agreed in writing. Always have a signed livery agreement and understand what it covers.
Can I take my horse away from livery at any time?
This depends on your contract. Most livery agreements require a notice period, typically four to eight weeks, before moving your horse. Ensure you read the terms carefully before signing, particularly around notice periods, what happens if the yard closes, and who is responsible in the event of injury or illness to your horse whilst in the yard’s care.