Finding the perfect yard for Maggie felt like walking through a minefield blindfolded. There are so many factors to juggle – cost, location, turnout, facilities – plus the all-important question of what your horse will actually be happy with. Add in the fact that she was my first horse, and the quest for the “perfect” yard quickly became a mission.
When I first bought Maggie, I knew she wouldn’t be staying at the riding school. The hacking was poor – mainly stony tracks that her bare feet hated – and the only route to grass meant riding along busy roads. This wasn’t ideal given Maggie’s tendency to slam on the brakes or spin on a sixpence, leaving me facing entirely the wrong way at speed.
Luckily, a horsey friend came to the rescue. She kept her horse at a private property, owned by someone who also had a cob, and suggested I join them. It was 24/7 turnout, which suited Maggie perfectly, and the hacking was a dream – right on the edge of the forest, with hours of car-free exploring. The biggest hazard was the odd deer leaping out, which gave us a few “hold onto your hat” moments.
Unfortunately, as winter rolled in, the balance of responsibilities between the three of us shifted and the weight of being completely DIY and technically caring for three horses every evening hit. Plus without a school or lights, riding after work became almost impossible, and I knew it was time to look for somewhere new.
This time my wish list had grown:
- A school with lights for evening riding and lessons
- Some professional help available if I was away
- Turnout
- Good hacking
- Within a reasonable distance from home and work
- Affordable
I found a yard about 25 minutes from home and 30 from work. It had two schools (and plans for an indoor arena), decent hacking, on-site staff, and an adjacent riding school for lessons. I even knew another livery there who could hack out with me. It felt promising.
A few weeks in, the reality hit. The yard was built below the water line, and as soon as the rain started, the place turned into a clay bog. Horses couldn’t even reach the fields because of knee-deep mud, so they were kept in 24/7. Wheelbarrows couldn’t get to the paddocks, poo-picking was impossible, and Maggie soon developed a cough from being stabled all the time. I couldn’t see it working for her health or happiness – especially as it was only January.
Back to the drawing board again. My priorities shifted once more: daily turnout became non-negotiable, and travel time was now a key factor too. Those long drives were eating into family time and tipping my work–horse–life balance the wrong way.
By this point, I’d posted several times in the Equiteam Connected Facebook group. I was asking for advice on compromises, sharing my frustrations, and, truthfully, looking for reassurance. I felt guilty moving Maggie around so much and taking her from 24/7 turnout to what was essentially box rest because of my choices.
With a bit of perspective – and a lot of wise words from Equiteamers – I realised no yard ticks every box, and compromises were inevitable. I viewed three more yards. Two had brilliant facilities and year-round turnout, but were either too far or too expensive. The third felt right, even though it meant Maggie would be in at night all year.
The positives stacked up: lovely owners who lived on site, about 5km of off-road grass tracks around the farm’s hay fields for hacking, flexible help available at a fair price, and – best of all – it was just seven minutes from my front door. The only compromise was no 24/7 turnout, but given the sandy ground and limited grazing, it made sense, but I was reassured that they went out every day, come rain or shine. So, I booked another strangles test, arranged a transporter, and crossed my fingers that this would be our “forever” yard.
Fast forward 18 months, and I can honestly say it was the right decision. I’ve got a wonderful group of supportive livery friends. We share each other’s highs and lows, have regular arena lessons, and I hack Maggie around the farm most days. She’s settled, happy, and thriving. She actually adores coming in at night, the protection of the stable and the all inclusive buffet provided mean she waits at the gate everyday and has to be brought in by the yard while I am still at work when others start coming in or she has a tantrum. Despite other horses in her vicinity staying out much later!
One piece of advice an Equiteamer gave me still sticks: so much of horse ownership is trial and error. I’d thought the biggest decision would be buying Maggie – but in reality, it’s a constant stream of choices, big and small, that all affect her wellbeing. The tricky part is, you can’t ask your horse what they’d prefer. Combine that with the flood of information (and judgment) in the equestrian world, and it can be daunting.
That’s why I’m so grateful for the Equiteam community. It’s the one place I can ask questions, share worries, and muddle through the learning curve of horse ownership without fear of being judged. Finding the “perfect” yard might be impossible, but finding the right yard for you and your horse – with a bit of support and realistic expectations – absolutely is.
But as we know, horse owning is full of ups and downs, read more in part three.
Samantha x
Missed Part One: Me? Own a horse? Surely that was for the rich and elite types? Read it here.
