Costs and viability are key to the future of livery yards

It is possible for yards to be viable but owners, and clients, have to face the reality of what this involves

- BECKY MURRAY

LIVERY yards can be viable businesses but running them as such, and being focused on costs, is key.

This is the message for yard owners, as rising costs continue to be a concern. Utilities, business rates, the minimum wage and the cost of hay, feed and bedding have all risen, but some yard owners are reluctant to increase livery prices.

Stephen Cole runs a viable yard, Parsons-Cole, in north Hertfordshire. He offers five- and seven-day full or ridden livery, and employs five members of staff.

"I understand things can be hard but you really have to understand your costs. We have all our processes streamlined and the yard is run efficiently; we have everything timed so we know how many staff we need, we installed automatic drinkers and switched from straw to shavings to make things easier," he told H&H.

"We plan six months to a year ahead; I've bought the winter hay and I'm constantly planning. Sometimes I'll say to the team we need to tweak something, because you've got to be on the ball all the time.