Livery on my field (paddock paradise/ natural management)

[HorseyPonderings]

Hi, Please could you help me with a hypothetical question: I have a 3 acre field with barn and ménage (unlit). The field has a track system of around a quarter mile, grass is horse grass (not rich cow grazing). We are planning to use the inside paddocks to take some hay off and use for grazing in winter. There is a barn with free access for shelter and a couple of stables. The hacking is quiet lanes with a few possible canter spots. There is extensive off-road riding, gallops, comp venues, x-country courses for hire, within short boxable distance. I will have 1 horse and would like 1 livery to keep mine company, either DIY or with a bit of assistance provided with checks/ give a feed. We are located near Hants/ Berks border.

Would I be able to find someone to come and be my livery? How much should I charge for this?

Thank you!

Quite honestly it's not a lot of land and for the aggravation you may well get you would probably be better off just getting a small pony companion .

3 acres would be enough for only 2 if you are planning on decent turnout. From experience 10 acres yields about 50 large bales if you are grazing horses on it over winter - so when you factor in loss around the edges of a small field you may get 10-12 (15 if the grass in exceptional) bales off 3 acres. The problem you will have though is finding someone to actually cut it - most won't take it on as its not worth the time and effort to them. If you do you can expect to pay £15 per acre to cut, £15 per acre per turn (usually 2 turns is OK if the grass is aerated properly when cut) then £15 per acre to bale with about £5 per bale on top if you want it wrapped. For for 3 acres you are looking at about £230 for maybe 12 bales (£20 a bale) - then you have to have somewhere to store them too.

I looked into it but when you factor in public liability and all the mither it's just not worth it for £20 a week.

I went down another route and offered free livery in exchange for help - that way I only needed to go once a day. It was OK for a bit but in the end I ended up doing all the work.

Another thing to consider is that if you are having a livery you will also have to pay business rates and also declare the income to the IR - some councils are now charging business rates on all stables, even domestic. If you aren't on their radar try not to get on it by doing livery...

I think that somebody with a barefoot horse or laminitic will snap your hand off to be honest!

I'd try putting an advert in your nearest tack shop or feed store and see what interest you get. I've no idea of costs in your area though.