Major disparities in livery prices across the UK have been laid bare in new data that paints a stark picture of an industry under immense financial strain.
Speaking the recent National Equine Forum (5 March), Cheryl Johns, founder of Livery List and the Yard Owner Hub, shared findings from the 2025 Livery List Pricing Survey, revealing a market where the cost of keeping a horse can vary dramatically depending on the yard.
The survey attracted 768 responses from 81 UK counties, covering 11 livery types. While median figures offer a broad guide – around £200 per month for DIY and £600–£900 for full livery – the real picture is far more complex.
Some owners are paying DIY prices equivalent to full livery elsewhere, and in the most extreme cases a £20,000 annual difference was recorded between the lowest and highest full‑livery packages.
“Some yards are charging as little for full livery as others charge for DIY,” Cheryl explained. “It shows just how far apart the market has become.”
Cost-of-living pressures hit yards hard
Cheryl’s findings echoed concerns raised earlier in the day by the Blue Cross, which reported a steep rise in welfare challenges linked to increased hay and feed prices, rising vet bills, and wider financial pressures affecting owners.
“Financial pressures – from hay prices to vet bills – are creating significant barriers for owners trying to meet basic welfare needs,” said Sally Foskett, horse operations manager at the Blue Cross
Yard owners are feeling those pressures too. According to the survey, more than two‑thirds have raised their prices in the past 12 months, and 80% expect further increases this year.
“Many yard owners simply can’t absorb the increases anymore,” Cheryl explained. “A lot aren’t businesspeople – they’re in it for the love of horses.”
The hidden factors behind your monthly bill
While location and facilities remain obvious influences on price, Cheryl highlighted less visible factors that significantly affect what yards must charge. These include wage obligations, business rates, insurance, feed and bedding quality, and investment in biosecurity and welfare standards.
“At the moment, anybody can open a livery yard and operate as they wish,” she said. “There is no licensing, no dedicated regulatory body, and no mandatory inspections.”
This lack of regulation means some yards operate to exceptionally high standards – at a cost –while others undercut by avoiding key welfare or legal responsibilities.
“Yards who don’t meet expected standards compromise equine welfare and undervalue those who do,” Cheryl added.
Impact on welfare and accessibility
The Blue Cross warned that these financial pressures are leading to more welfare cases entering its systems. The charity has already seen a rise in horses coming from private homes with serious health and behavioural issues, often linked to restricted turnout or owners struggling to afford basic care.
The charity’s Home Direct scheme – allowing horses to be rehomed directly from their current homes – has seen significant growth as a result.
“By intervening earlier, we prevent welfare deterioration and reduce the risk of unsafe horse sales,” Sally said.
‘Without change, it will only get harder’
Cheryl issued a clear warning: without systemic support for yard owners, closures will continue, leaving fewer affordable and high‑quality options for owners.
“This is a challenging industry, and without change, it will only get harder. More yards will close, and there will be limited options for quality, affordable livery,” she said.
She urged the industry to explore improved regulatory frameworks, better business guidance for yard owners, and stronger owner education around welfare and compliance – not just cost.
“We need to future‑proof livery yards for both business owners and horse owners. The social value of equestrianism is enormous – we must keep it safe, accessible, and affordable,” Cheryl concluded.
