Looking for a New Yard? Here’s What You Need to Know

***Exciting News Alert***

So I’ve made the decision to move Coco to a new yard. While I love our current yard and appreciate the amazing care and help they’ve given me and Coco ever since I bought her, I just feel its time for a change. The yard I’ve decided to move Coco to is much smaller and quieter than where we are now so I’m hoping this calming atmosphere might rub off on Coco and we can start getting some real progress under our belts this year. There’s also one other massive benefit of the move but you’ll have to read to the end to find out!

Once I had decided I was moving I did a fair bit of research into why people decide to move and also what the next steps are once you’ve made the decision…

Why move to a new yard?

People decide to move yards for any number of reasons, below are some that I found during my research…

• Joining up with friends in another yard
• Being closer to shows or other show venues
• More/better Turnout
• Better Price
• Bigger yard with regular lessons that you can take part in
• Location is closer/more convenient to travel to from work or home
• Your horse requires a higher level of care
• More hacking options
• You’ve recently moved and your horse just never settled
• More/better facilities
• Don’t get along with people at your yard
• Time for a change

For me, there was no one big reason, it just felt like it was time to move on and give something new a try and my gut said it was the right thing. 

What’s Next?

1. Make a list of what you’d expect to have in your dream yard. While it would be almost impossible to find somewhere that ticks all the boxes, you can use this list to compare the different yards you visit so you can be confident that you’re choosing the best yard possible. 
2. Compile a list of yard options and arrange a time to meet the yard manager at each one
3. Compile a list of questions to ask during your visit – see my list below.

Some questions to ask when looking for a new yard

• What’s the cost and what’s included in the different levels of livery available?
• What stable would your horse be getting?
• What bedding do they offer? Straw/Hay or Both
• What turnout do they offer?
• What are the yard opening hours?
• Is there someone onsite at all times?
• Is there an onsite trainer?
• What vet, farrier, dentist do they regularly work with? – How are visits charged?
• Ask for a rundown of the facilities including hacking
• Is there a regular group of liveries going out to shows every weekend that you might be able to join?

Tips & Advice

• Whatever your reason for leaving your current yard, always leave on a good note. At the end of the day, your yard manager runs a business and should understand you have your reasons to leave. But you never know what the future may hold so you always want to have the option to go back if you ever need to.
• Keep in touch with your friends from your old yard. Just because you don’t share a yard doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch and arrange horsey outings. I met some of my best friends through horse riding!
• Don’t be afraid to get talking to the people at your new yard. The sooner you get to know everyone the more comfortable you’ll start to feel.

Hopefully this will help anyone who is considering moving yards to make their final decision and also provide a guide on how to go about it.

We’ll be making our move on Monday so keep an eye on our instagram for updates on the day!

So what’s the big surprise!? Well, the yard I’m moving Coco to is also the yard where Darielle has Dante stabled so you can look forward to much more fun and ridiculous content coming your way!

Thanks for reading 🙂

Orla