Livery is a paid arrangement where your horse is kept at a livery yard and, depending on the package, the yard may also provide some or all of your horse’s daily care.
In the UK, “livery” usually means you’re paying for space (stable and/or grazing), access to facilities, and a level of support that can range from DIY (you do the daily jobs) to full livery (the yard handles most daily care).
If you want the simplest version: livery is paying for the setup and sometimes the labour too.
Why people use livery yards
Most owners use livery because it makes horse ownership practical without owning land or stables. It gives access to things that are difficult to replicate privately, like turnout, an arena (if available), storage, and a consistent routine.
It also lets owners choose how hands-on they want to be, from doing everything themselves to having day-to-day care handled.
What livery usually includes
At a minimum, livery usually includes:
-
- A place for your horse to live (stable and/or grazing)
- Access to the yard’s facilities (varies by yard)
- Basic yard organisation (rules, routines, and how things operate)
What changes from yard to yard is what the monthly fee covers beyond that.
Some yards include things like:
- turnout and bring-in routines
- feeding
- mucking out and bedding management
- rug changes
- holding for the farrier or vet
Other yards charge these as extras, or only include them on certain days.
A good habit when you’re enquiring is to ask one clear question early:
“What exactly is included in the monthly livery fee, and what is charged as an extra?”
It saves time, money, and awkward misunderstandings later.
Quick overview of livery types
You’ll see these terms across the UK. They’re common labels, but the exact tasks included can still vary, so always check what the yard means by them.
- DIY livery: you rent the space and use of facilities, and you handle day-to-day care.
- Grass livery: your horse lives out, with care responsibilities depending on the agreement.
- Part livery: a shared setup where the yard does some daily tasks and you do the rest.
- Full livery: the yard provides most day-to-day care tasks for you.
- Assisted DIY: DIY livery plus agreed help with specific tasks (for example, turnout or mucking out on weekdays).
- Working livery: reduced cost in exchange for the horse being used for agreed work, with clear terms needed.
If you’re unsure which type fits, your next step is usually comparing time available, budget, and how hands-on you want to be.
If you’re exploring options, the most helpful next reads are:
- Types of livery explained: DIY vs Part vs Full
- Livery costs in the UK
- What’s included in livery (checklist)
- Questions to ask when viewing a livery yard
