Answer

By Your Horse

Instructor Jane Vargerson replies:

First, you need to make yourself a list of priorities to help you compare yards.
Ask yourself how far do you want to travel each day to your horse. If he is on DIY livery, you may wish to be closer than if he’s on part-livery. Will you have friends to ride out with at both yards, or only one? Do you have to pay extra to use the school, and when are you allowed to use it? You then have to decide which yard fits in better with your schedule.
Turning out, bringing in and mucking out are all extras you would have to pay for, and prices can vary from yard to yard. It would be a good idea to work out how much you can spend each month on your horse’s upkeep, as this will have some bearing on where you keep him.
The yard you first mention has a large indoor school and small outdoor one. Many horse owners would love this. An indoor school is a luxury and in the winter months something most riders would love to use.
If you already ride at the smaller riding school as a client, the owners and staff will very probably offer you some advice on the type of horse for your level of riding. Also, when you find a horse, they may be able to come with you when you go to see him.
When you first buy your horse you’ll needs lots of help and encouragement – keeping him at a yard with your instructor on site would be very helpful. Just because a yard doesn’t have a cross-country course should not be a negative point. There are courses you can hire, or you could become a member of UK Chasers, and ride their courses.