Small grass and DIY livery yard

Leisure riders and owners who want a cheaper, simpler place to keep their horse than a full-service yard.

A monthly fee per horse, often with extras such as hay, bedding, storage or use of a school or trailer parking.

• Good horse and grassland knowledge
• Fencing and basic maintenance
• Clear dealings with livery clients

• Planning permission or change of use for the land, check with your council
• Public liability insurance and cover for horses on your land
• Land tenancy terms, since some agricultural or grazing agreements limit livery use
• Fencing, water and field safety, plus overgrazing and poor ground in winter
• Whether your local council requires any licence for your activities

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your land, fencing, water and any shelters or stables. Check land terms before you spend.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many horses you can keep and what you charge. The estimate starts at about 8 hours a week.

Check whether planning permission or change of use applies to your land, and your tenancy terms if you rent. Also check public liability cover, fencing and field safety, and whether your council requires any licence for your activities.