Small livery yard

Horse owners who lack their own land or stabling, often working people looking for a safe yard close to home.

Monthly livery fees per horse, with extras for services such as turnout, rugging, feed or hay. Some yards also charge for arena use or storage.

• Confident and knowledgeable around horses
• Reliable daily routine, including early mornings
• Good people skills with owners
• Basic bookkeeping

• Planning permission or change of use, especially if the land is currently agricultural; check with your council
• Insurance such as public liability and care, custody and control cover for horses in your charge
• A written livery contract covering fees, notice periods, unpaid bills and who is responsible for what
• If you add riding lessons or horse hire, check whether you need a licence from your council
• Business rates, manure disposal, fire safety and your lease terms if renting
• Horses are demanding: you may be on call for illness or injury, and your income depends on keeping stables filled

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £5,000 to £30,000, depending on whether you rent or own the yard, the stabling and grazing, and your insurance. Check lease terms, business rates and any planning requirements.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,200 to £5,000, depending on how many stables you fill and the service level you offer. Income depends on keeping stables filled, and you may work around 20 hours a week or more.

Check with your council about planning permission or change of use, especially for agricultural land. Also check public liability and care, custody and control insurance, a written livery contract, and whether riding lessons or horse hire would need a council licence.