Here we look at the 6 types of livery generally offered in the UK:
Grass Livery
DIY Livery
Full Livery
Assisted Livery
Part Livery
Working Livery
Not all livery yards will offer the complete range eg. some only offer DIY whilst, others only offer Full, but if you get a chance to choose the following information on types of livery will help you to make an informed choice.
Grass Livery
Grass Livery is grazing only and you have to look after your horse or pony yourself. You should check that fencing is in good order, that there is a suitable water source and that there is adequate shelter. You might need to feed hay in the winter so ask if there are any storage facilities you can use. Grass livery is sometimes offered by farmers and there might not be any riding facilities.
DIY Livery
You rent grazing and a stable and look after your horse or pony yourself. Adequate storage should be available for feed, bedding, forage, tack and you should have use of riding facilities.
Assisted Livery
Is an enhanced DIY Livery, you do most of the work of looking after your horse or pony yourself but livery staff will be available to do some pre-arranged work eg. turning your horse out, bring him in, holding your horse for the farrier etc. Assisted livery is ideal for the working horse owner who still wants to care for their own horse themselves.
Part Livery
Daily care of the horse is undertaken by the livery yard and the owner is responsible only for grooming and exercise. Part Livery is ideal for owners who don't have enough time to perform stable chores.
Full Livery
Care and exercise of the horse or pony is undertaken by the livery yard, this is most suited to absent owners.
Working Livery
Working Livery is offered by riding schools who want to use your horse or pony for lessons or hacks. An agreement is made as to the number of hours the horse can be used each week, it requires very careful consideration as to whether it is suitable for the horse or pony and whether it would limit the owners own riding.
