Running a British Horse Society Livery yard means we are subject to annual inspections including one unannounced inspection every year. For our approval we have to have up to date training for first aid, safeguarding, fire plan, risk assessments, insurance as well as contracts, a worming programme and isolation policy for the horses on the yard. We have to ensure clear understanding on the things we provide and what prospective clients should know to allow them to make informed choices and use safe practices whist on the yard.
Horses must be kept in excellent condition and if we think a horse is not being looked after correctly and in accordance to its basic needs we need to signpost the owner to the correct areas of need. That’s why we have a specialised feed rep come to the yard in early spring and before winter, to allow owners to discuss any nutritional needs for their horses or pony.
Vet checks are important and farriers are especially helpful in giving advice with shoeing issues and lameness. Being a British Horse Society approved yard means they are there at the end of the phone giving excellent advice on day to day matters as well as legal advice. We feel supported when navigating the running of our yard, here at Blackfaulds Farm and Livery, Alloa. So it’s a big yes,it is well worth having BHS approval.
As yard owners, we take our responsibilities seriously. We have over 30 yeas of experience of running a livery. Here are a few things which we have learnt:
Horse ownership/loaning has never been more accessible….make sure if someone is new to horses, they understand the commitment and are willing to learn. Believe it or not we had a new horse owner who wanted to leave her pony in the stable with a tiny bucket of water and a small haynet for a couple of days and when asked where she was said she was too tiered to come to the yard !
Check the prospective horse owners knowledge. It’s totally acceptable for a brand new horse owner to have limited knowledge but with keen sense to learn, they will get on great but if someone is new to horses make sure they are seeking professional advice or are learning from a friend with years of experience of looking after horses. It is heartbreaking and potentially dangerous to see a young horse ( bought because it was cheap) going into the wrong hands.
And ensure your yard is filled with people who genuinely want to have quality time with their horses or pony. Our yard is very well managed and there is never a time e when one of us is not there to address any concerns, to give adviceetc. We dont care for drama in any way shape or form, We love a good laugh but definitely not at anyone else’s expense.
Health and saftey, well maintained paddocks and happy horses and ponies equate to a great yard with happy clients and yard owners. It’s another brainer, chose a fully accredited BHS approved yard to ensure really positive experience.