If you’ve ever asked a yard “what’s included?” and got an answer that sounded like “well… it depends”, you’re not imagining things.

In the UK, two yards can use the same livery label (like “part livery”) and include completely different things. That’s why the smartest way to compare yards isn’t by package name, it’s by a clear checklist.

This article helps you do exactly that: understand what “included” usually means, spot what’s often charged as an extra, and compare yards fairly so you don’t get surprised later.

What “included in livery” really means

When a yard says something is “included,” it should mean:

It’s covered in the monthly fee, without you needing to pay extra each time.

But in real life, “included” often falls into three buckets:

1) Included (part of the monthly fee)

These are services or access you get automatically as part of the package. Example: stable + turnout routine + use of the arena (if it’s stated as included).

2) Available as an extra (pay-per-use)

The yard can do it, but it’s charged separately. Common examples: holding for the farrier, clipping, extra bedding, schooling rides.

3) Not offered (you’ll need to arrange it yourself)

Some yards don’t provide certain services at all. That’s not necessarily a problem, as long as you know it upfront.

Why this matters (a simple example)

One yard might say “full livery” and include:

• turnout and bring-in
• mucking out
• feeding
• rug changes
  
  

Another yard might also say “full livery” but treat rug changes and holding as extras, and only offer turnout on certain days in winter.

Both can be legitimate. The difference is clarity.

The one question that makes comparisons easy

When you’re enquiring, use this sentence:

“Can you confirm what’s included in the monthly fee, what’s charged as an extra, and what isn’t offered?”

That one line gives you a clean comparison between yards, regardless of the package label.

The core checklist (what most yards should cover)

This is the baseline. Not every yard will offer every item in the exact same way, but a well-run livery setup should be able to answer these clearly.

As you read, you can sort each item into one of three notes:

Included / Extra / Not offered

A) Your horse’s setup (the non-negotiables)

• Stabling: Is a stable included? If yes, what size and what access rules?
• Grazing/turnout access: Is turnout available year-round? How is it managed in winter?
• Fencing and gates: Do fields look secure and maintained? Who checks them and how often?
  
  

B) Yard routines and management

• Daily routine clarity: Can they explain their standard routine (even if you’re DIY)?
• Turnout system: How are groups managed? How are changes handled?
• Rules and safety: Clear yard rules, visiting hours, safety expectations, and emergency procedures.
  
• Communication: Who do you contact for changes or issues, and how quickly do they respond?

C) Facilities and access (even if you won’t use everything)

• Arena/schooling area: Is there one? Is it usable year-round? Any booking rules?
• Hacking access: Is hacking safe and practical from the yard (roads, off-road routes)?
• Tack room and storage: Is secure storage included? How much space is realistic?
  
  

D) A written agreement (even a simple one)

This is one of the biggest “good yard” signals.

• Livery agreement/terms in writing: What’s included, what’s extra, notice period, deposits.
• Payment terms: When it’s due, how it’s paid, and how extras are charged.
• Policies: Basic expectations around turnout, facilities use, visiting hours, and services.

You don’t need a legal novel. You just want the key points written down so everyone stays on the same page.

Quick note (this saves money and awkwardness)

If a yard can’t clearly answer what’s included vs what’s extra, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s a bad yard, but it does mean you’re more likely to get misunderstandings later.  Clarity is comfort.

Daily care checklist (who does what?)

This is where livery packages stop being labels and start being real life.

If you’re comparing yards, the most useful thing you can do is look at each daily task and ask:

Who does it? How often? And is it included or charged extra?

Below is the checklist. Use it like a menu: tick what’s included, circle what’s extra, and mark anything that isn’t offered.

1) Feeding

• Is feeding included? If yes, is it once or twice daily?
• Does the yard provide feed, or do you supply it?
• If your horse needs specific routines (soaked hay, supplements), can the yard accommodate that and is it included?
  
  

2) Turnout and bring-in

• Is turnout included every day, or only certain days?
• What time window does turnout usually happen?
• What changes in winter or when the ground is poor?
• Is “late bring-in” a thing, and does it cost extra?

3) Mucking out and bedding

• Is mucking out included daily, selected days, or not at all?
• Is bedding provided? If yes, is there a limit (and what happens if you use more)?
• If you prefer a certain bedding type, is that possible and how is it priced?
  
  

4) Water, hay, and basic stable checks

• Who checks the water daily in the stable and field?
• Is hay/haylage included? If yes, what’s the allowance?
• If your horse needs restricted or increased forage, how is that handled?
  
  

5) Rug changes

• Are rug changes included? If yes, how many per day is reasonable?
• Is there a charge for multiple changes or for special rugs?
• What’s the routine during sudden weather shifts?

6) Basic health monitoring

This is one people assume and then regret assuming.

• Does the yard do daily “eyes-on” checks?
• If something looks off, how do they inform you?
• Can they handle basic things (like taking a temperature), and if so, is it included or charged?
  
  

7) Holding for the farrier and vet

• Is holding included on certain days or always an extra?
• If it’s included, how much notice do they need?
• If it’s extra, what’s the fee and how is it charged?
  
  

8) Medication and special care

If your horse ever needs rehab support, this matters.

• Can the yard administer medication? Is it included?
• What counts as “special care,” and what are the charges?
• How are additional checks or rehab routines agreed?

The “fit check” that saves you time

Once you’ve filled this checklist, ask yourself:

• Does this package cover the tasks you can’t reliably do every day?
• Are the extras priced clearly enough that you can budget for them?
• Does the routine match your life in winter as well as summer?

Because the best livery package is the one that works when you’re busy, not the one that only works on an ideal week.