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jaj
Platinum Member
 United Kingdom
4324 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 9:00:22 PM
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My friend and I keep our horses together at a livery yard and you may recall that I posted recently about her mare having a bad episode of lami and was on box rest. The yard owner doesn't agree that the mare should be on box rest despite the fact that she has 2 rotated pedal bones and because of this difference of opinion she has been asked to leave the yard  ! I find my position there untenable as I've been told I can't use a grass muzzle on my mare (she is getting distinctly fatter) as the YO thinks they are cruel and stresses out the horses (mmmmm and lami doesn't  ). So we are not allowed to try and prevent this crippling disease or treat it if one of our horses develop it  . She was asked to leave yesterday and it wasn't hard for me to decide that I would go with her (praying we can stay for a while until her mare recovers sufficiently to be moved  ), we have absolutely had it with livery yards and want to move the 3 horses to a little place of our own. Now that we have made the decision, I'm wondering how on earth we find a few acres and some stables as most of them won't be advertised like the big livery yards are. Can I ask advice on what we should be looking for and where and how we find such a place?
Jen
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Kuraishiya (Maleik el Kheil/Kazra el Saghira) and Sahara Bey (Kuraishiya/WSA Charismma) |
Edited by - jaj on 18 Aug 2007 8:44:43 PM
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Gail
Gold Member
993 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 9:05:06 PM
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The YO sounds like an absolute liability, you will be better on your own. Im afraid I cant help you but just wanted to wish you good luck and I hope the horse with laminitis recovers soon. Its a dreadful thing for a horse isnt it, scary that your YO does not think so!!!!!
Good luck
Gail x |
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pat ww
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3459 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 9:33:45 PM
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you could try the local agricultural land agents, mine is through a land agent, but doesn't include stables.
luckily my friend owns the adjacent land so we can use that for our shelters. it is hard work, being responsible for all your own fencing, its taking years to put up decent fences, barb wire went at once, replaced by electric, only now getting some post and rail.
The mobile field shelters don't need planning, and you can always lock the horse with laminitis in.
Never regretted not being on a yard, despite not having all conveniences at hand, including water which we gather off the roof or trail down in barrels.
You could try a wanted ad in your local paper, or mail shot all the farmers listed in yellow pages. I phoned several when I moved to work in Scotland, lucky to get one a mile from where I lived, no other horses, haylage as required, and use of barn when cattle were out. all for £7 per horse per week.
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sarahlock
Platinum Member
England
1535 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 9:57:57 PM
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Hi Jen , what an awfull situation to be in 
Have you tried asking local farmers , or asking if there are any paddocks with stabling for rent ?
I live in Devon & there are quite often places up for rent here
I rented a couple of acres off a farmer for 16 years & after a couple of years he let me put up some sectional stables in the field( without concrete floors )instead of me having to lead the pony along the road to his farmyard !
The only problem was the roads in that area became too busy to ride on, they were rat runs & i had too many near miss`s
I moved them to another farm where there were about 7 other liveries for about 10 months but i did find it hard trying to lead 2 mares & a foal up & down a lane from stable to field & they weren`t allowed out if it had rained & the ground was muddy even if it was a lovely sunny day !
Try explaining to a farmer that the land gets less churned up if they are allowed out for a couple of hours daily than it does if they haven`t been out for a week , the mares would go mad & my foal would do the wall of death .....i couldn`t watch !
I told him i wanted to have my "own place" again as it was so much easier when i could open their doors & let them out & if it started to rain they go back in! 
Then last january the farmer who also has land elsewhere told me that a 2 acre paddock with a 60ft stone barn in it had become vacant so my mum bought me three 5 bar gates for my birthday & my friends partitioned it into 3 stables & a feed area !
Life is so much easier when you can do your own thing,you can restrict their grazing with electric fencing as i have to do with my 2 mares who live on fresh air!
Good luck Sarah |
     
Brixham (South Devon ) |
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jaj
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4324 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 10:08:37 PM
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Thanks girls for your kind words and advice. I'm still so angry at being blackmailed in this way, especially when there is a sick horse in the middle of it who certainly shouldn't be moved much less having to endure the stress of a new place as well. I will send out an SOS to local farmers and put an ad in local shops and feed merchants etc. I always feel so helpless with livery 'situations', horses aren't like hamsters, if they were you could just pick them up and stick them in the back of your car! The YO is a really nice person, she is just evangelical (to the point of being fanatical ) about keeping them 'naturally' which basically means no vets or medical intervention. That's bad enough when you apply it to your own horses but quite another when you won't allow other people to take proper responsibility for their own animals.
Jen |
Kuraishiya (Maleik el Kheil/Kazra el Saghira) and Sahara Bey (Kuraishiya/WSA Charismma) |
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 10:09:16 PM
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The best way to find somewhere is to ask at all the local feed and tack shops; they usually know what is going on in the area.
Good luck with finding somewhere.
Barbara |
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Zan
Platinum Member
Scotland
3213 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 09:28:15 AM
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Very sorry to read this. YO must be very extreme in wanting horses to be "natural" if she won't box rest a bad case of laminitis like this. I have said elsewhere that "natural" for a horse would be hundreds of acres of arid prairie, not a small enclosed area of lush UK grass, so laminitis is sure to follow I have to say though I am not a fan of muzzles myself and prefer to limit time out at grass---in the short term until you find somewhere would she let you do this?
My horses are on a friend's farm---the only horses there and I have complete control. Maybe worth while just visiting a few farms and asking? Though with the Foot and Mouth at the moment not the best time. |
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jaj
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4324 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 09:48:24 AM
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Zan I hate the muzzle too but she won't let us restrict their grazing whatsoever!!! We are not allowed to strip graze, she will not put by an area for horses whose owners are concerned and although we pay for a stable we are not allowed to bring them in at any time except at night in the depths of winter! There are some seriously obese horses and ponies out in the herd but her view is that it is best they move around. Thing is they don't really move, not as they would in the wild ~ at best they amble from one patch of grass to the next. They don't need to move in a field free from predators with grass and water no more than a few feet away. There is no discussion with her either, she told me in no uncertain terms that I could either comply or leave!
jen
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Kuraishiya (Maleik el Kheil/Kazra el Saghira) and Sahara Bey (Kuraishiya/WSA Charismma) |
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LadyB
Gold Member
England
964 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 09:50:08 AM
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Really sorry to hear of your situation.. she sounds very difficult to say the least...
Are there any 'big' houses around your area?? You may find they have stables/grazing which they are not using...
If I was you I would put a ad in farmers weekley of something equivalent.. Good Luck!!!!
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Louise
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Coral Wings
Bronze Member
England
167 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 10:11:33 AM
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| sorry to hear about your horse! I have just rented two stables and 2 acres of land a few minutes from my house! The only problem I have is not having proffesional advice on tap from the YO and also miss having the use of a menage! There is no-where I can school my horses and teach my son to ride as the land is not flat enuf! For lessons, I have to load up all my horses and travel half hour to my old yard! So take that into consideration when you move to a new place! Good luck with finding a new place :-) |
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cassy
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3348 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 10:15:52 AM
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| what area are you, we are East Yorks and the farmer who rents the stables/fields out where we are is megga easy going, 17.50 a box inc field use of huge school and locked tack/feed areas, lasor alarms to yards so all secure and do what you like as and when, hay/haylage straw/shavings bought on site and he has room for a few, liveries all adult inc a vet and a police woman |
Angie
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jaj
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4324 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 10:21:19 AM
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Cassy sounds fab but we are in Bucks so bit far to travel ! There aren't many aliners around here for some reason, Sasha and Roseanne are a bit further over towards Oxfordshire but I'm closer to Milton Keynes for my sins.
Jen |
Kuraishiya (Maleik el Kheil/Kazra el Saghira) and Sahara Bey (Kuraishiya/WSA Charismma) |
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arabic
Platinum Member
England
4562 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 11:00:05 AM
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Jen, what a rotten shame - so sorry it has come to this for you. YO owner sounds a right numpty!!! Yes, it is horrid to see poor ponies in restricted paddocks, stabled our muzzled but the option is far far worse for them!!!
I hope you manage to find somewhere. I would go with what others have said - land agents, tack shops, or approach lots of farmers. Once you have the land it will be something you can work on. Not easy at first but where there's a will, there's a way!!!!
Good luck
Sandie |
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Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 12:11:51 PM
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Hi Jen,
So sorry to hear you're having trouble with yet another livery yard. I must say since having my own couple of acres I have huge sympathy for those with less-than-easy situations. Some on AL do report brilliant, friendly yards so they obviously exist; I guess we only hear about the unsuccessful arrangements.
I'd echo Pat and suggest you advertise locally in feed shops, saddleries, the local paper, particularly village newsletters (your local paper should be able to give you a list of them and their 'editors'); they can be a real source of contact right inside communities where someone with an unused paddock might consider letting it if they realised there were decent people willing to pay for independence.
I'd also go for the mobile field shelter idea a go. Although my horses are out 24/7 I have two 12 x 12 ones which were 'converted' by the makers (who let you buy them on monthly payments WITHOUT any interest!) and are stables with doors and windows. One of mine was in for a few months last winter at night on shavings and absolutely comfortable. My neighbours and sister also have converted field shelters and have their horses in at night through the winter.
With your own place you can e-fence off whatever restricted grazing you want etc etc. It's a luxury I suppose we don't really appreciate.
How much are you riding now? How close do you need to have the horses? The downside of being independent is that you have to do all the work, mucking out, feeding at the right time, poo picking, hedge clipping etc and it does take it out of you, especially with a young family to see to as well.
If you found yourself having to move your mare immediately I could put her up temporarily but it is a bit of a distance - 40 mins drive? Ditto Sasha, I think she may have some space but I know she was negotiating with someone else so it may be gone.
Let us know if we can help!
Edited to add: A call to your local NFU rep might yeild results. They might have contacts with people on the fringes of the horsey life who might rent excess grazing and allow you to put up your shelters. You could get the number via the main NFU website. |
Roseanne |
Edited by - Roseanne on 09 Aug 2007 12:13:41 PM |
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MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 12:57:32 PM
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Don't just stick notices up in 'horsey' places - go for local village noticeboards, local shops of all sizes, garages, etc. We have always found this the best approach.
And when you get somewhere - GET A WRITTEN CONTRACT. We had the most perfect yard to ourselves last year: thought the guy who owned it was OK so did it all on a handshake - BIG mistake. He chucked us off at short notice before our 6 months tenants' rights kicked in. No fun looking for somewhere for 5 horses, 3 of which are entire! Fortunately, we landed on our feet with our current place - nobody here but us and a friendly friendly farmer owner
Keren |
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hannah28
Gold Member
England
617 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 1:16:19 PM
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Hiya Jen,
There are stables and some pasture advertised for rent up here in Olney, just north of Milton Keynes. I think its being let through Stonhills who are in Northampton. There seems to be loads of land, about 7 acres, and brand new stables, i pass it every day on the way to work. Good luck with finding somewhere if this isnt suitable!
Han x |
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geegee
Platinum Member
England
3682 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 1:36:59 PM
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So sorry to hear of your situation, your YO sounds like a nightmare
Years ago I leased some land from the Diocese. I don't know if they own any land in your area, but might be worth a try. Also you could contact your local council. They have been known to rent out land.
Hope you get things sorted asap. Can't imagine why others would want to stay there..... |
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primrosepye
Silver Member
433 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 2:07:49 PM
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Hiya
A friend of mine was keen to get out of her livery and put a wanted ad in the yellow paper/ free-ads under the horse section. Within a week someone had rung her who had a field and stable they no longer used offered!
Good luck on finding your new yard
Prim |
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pat day
Moderator
United Kingdom
5324 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 3:10:43 PM
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If you are not too worried about an arena, try your local farms if you do the horses yourself.??
I had my TB at a local one for 9 years, before we had our own place with land.
The Two of you would make short work for the shifts, so one or the other can have the occasional night off.
We at our own expense converted two cow sheds,leveling the floor, new electrics and doors etc.
It worked really well, and was very happy there, but theres always that dream of having them at home with you.
Good Luck in finding a nice place, cos the person sounds a right idiot.!!! |
       
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TREASURES AT TEMPLEWOOD~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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leezee26
Gold Member
England
1123 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 3:30:28 PM
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| Poor you!! It amazes me that some people can be so stupid! Sadly we have to use muzzles etc to prevent probs and if she cant see that you really are better off moving! Dont tar all us livery owners with the same brush though!! Do stick ads up everywhere, local post office etc. Before I got this place, Im afraid I was cheeky just knocked on peoples doors if I saw land or outbuildings, in fact thats how I got this place, and I live on site!! I know its not always easy doing that and when you are turned down its hard but inveriably someone will say yes! Good luck. Leighxx |
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Big Mover
Gold Member
United Kingdom
999 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 3:47:39 PM
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Hi Jaj
I think my blood would be boiling - I cant imagine what you must be going through It took me 3 yrs to find our place - and its always darkest just before the dawn, I lived on a farm untill I left home 11yrs ago - my parents really dont like horses and they were forever causing arguments, so I moved to a local livery yard near my new home. We had some great times there - but some bad ones also. I kept the dream alive and constantly asked about for land and buildings to let or rent, eventually I found Chris the farmer where i am now, hes great, its only a small place but we share the costs and help each other out with fencing & walling etc. We had no electricity (nightmare in winter) so I saved up and bought a generater after the 3rd witer,my fiance wired up all the lighting - Chris loved it, he could lamb his sheep with lights instead of torches everywhere. It was also pretty run down the fences were death traps & the walls had gaps where the sheep had roamed, but we got there in the end (still a fair bit to do even now).
Its definetly worth asking the local farmers - farmers have struggled for a while now and alot are looking to diversify (spelling) and bring some cash in. I am sure you can do it - the guy I was living with at the time I got our place 8yrs ago wouldnt lift a finger to help me, but you would be amazed what a couple of girls can achieve - I hope your lucky and find somewhere soon. I really cant belive the yard owner - what a D**K. I am miles away from you - but I will keep my eye open on the net and in the mags & papers
Sarah xx |
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jaj
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4324 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 4:33:00 PM
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Thanks so much everyone for your support as usual ! I've just been out trawling around (with two children, not best of situations) have spoken to a couple of yard owners to see if they know of anywhere and am home now to make up a batch of flyers and take all your advice to stick 'em up everywhere!!
The vet is out first thing to see the little lami mare and we are praying that he is pleased with her progress and that she might be ok to move over the next few weeks or whenever we find somewhere. Roseanne, thanks so much for offer of stable, fortunately we have an emergency friend in the village who will house them temporarily if it all goes thingmy up. We will struggle to do it between us, but I know of a couple of free-lance grooms who we would probably use for difficult times.
Hannah, thanks for notice re Olney, but it is a bit to far for me really, I'm sort of down nearer Aylesbury and Buckingham way. Sounds a lovely place tho!
Jen
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Kuraishiya (Maleik el Kheil/Kazra el Saghira) and Sahara Bey (Kuraishiya/WSA Charismma) |
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katefox1812
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1612 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 7:19:52 PM
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Poor jaj - how horrid for you! Fanatics of any description are impossible to negotiate with, and your current YO is clearly a fanatic.
But not all livery yards are bad - some are absolutely wonderful! So as well as farmers etc it might be worth enquiring about other livery yards in your area, and visiting them to see if they would suit you and your horses. (But maybe you've already tried this.)
Golly, though, I do wish people like your YO didn't feel compelled to shove their views down everyone else's throats. There is nothing worse than pious, intolerant people who are convinced that they know best!! |
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hannah28
Gold Member
England
617 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 7:35:21 PM
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If you do decide to try another livery yard, one that might be less of a trek for you is Sharon Mynards place near Buckingham. Leckhamstead Wharf Stud does liveries, and they charge by the day for grass, part, or full livery. I had my pure Polish gent there for 5 weeks for his show training and was very impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail...i swear he didnt want to leave to come back to my slightly less posh yard!
Han x |
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 7:47:59 PM
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| As always with livery yards you are at the mercy of the YO, I gave up keeping horses in the 70's because I didnt have my own place and swore I never would have them until I did, I do feel sorry for you and more importantly the horses who need care and attention. I have a mare on box rest at the moment (vet coming tomorrow because she is so hopping lame). I think you are right to try and find a place together, one that wont involve a yard owner who dictates (sp)to you . |
   
www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
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cmj
Silver Member
France
383 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 10:28:25 PM
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Hi
It sounds like you are quite near to my area, in Buckingham. Cox and Robinson in Buckingham quite often have cards up on their notice board saying about paddocks with stables to let. Haven't looked lately but if you are near there might be worth a look. |
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