09/02/2026
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In December, we ran a UK-wide livery survey with 768 yard owners across 81 counties β and the results are... surprising. We knew pricing for livery sevrices was inocnsistent at least but this has made clear how much the prices can vary.
For stables full livery, the highest and lowest prices submitted differ by a staggering £15,000 over the course of a year. Yes⦠fifteen thousand pounds for what is supposed to be the same service.
Youβd expect full livery to include β stable, grazing, 7-day care, hay, and bedding at minimum. But why such a huge difference? Some possibilities include:
β Location: Prime areas with high property costs, or easy access, or cose to competition centres naturally command higher prices.
β Facilities: Modern stables, riding facilities, good hacking, and extras on the yard like solariums, hot-wash water systems, can increase costs.
β Running costs: Larger staff costs, insurance, or maintenance expenses may push prices up, while lower-priced yards may operate with reduced overheads.
β Professional rider: Experienced riders or trainers may charge more for their expertise, attention to detail, and the added prestige of having your horse under their supervision.
Even without these factors, running costs have shot up for yard owners in recent years, with huge increases in employment costs, utilities, business rates, and β more recently β hay and straw. All of these factors mean many yards have had to raise their prices considerably. Donβt automatically dismiss a yard as βtoo expensiveβ β ask why itβs priced that way. Yards that are properly insured, fully compliant, and doing things by the book have to charge more simply to run a sustainable business. Paying a higher price often reflects peace of mind, quality of care, and professionalism, rather than being overpriced.
However, the survey also raises questions about the lowest-priced yards. Yes, some yards are lucky enough to have low running costs and outgoings, but for full livery it can often be difficult to know where these savings can be made. Some may be able to charge so little because they:
β Treat it less like a professional business
β Lack correct insurance or safety protocols
β Do not pay business rates or declare their income fully
β Do not employ legally
β Fail to meet expected industry standards
β Cut costs on maintenance or provisions
The takeaway? When looking for livery β full, part, or DIY β donβt rely on the price alone. Two yards offering βfull liveryβ may provide completely different levels of care and facilities.
Ultimately, this survey highlights the importance of asking questions, visiting the yards, and understanding exactly what is included β so your horse receives the care and environment they deserve.
And if youβre a yard owner β are you charging enough? Do you know if your business is truly sustainable, or are you inadvertently subsidising the costs of your liveries? When did you last sit down to work out your running costs and check whether what youβre charging is actually viable for you?
Itβs super important to review this regularly, because yards that charge too little can devalue the industry, especially if itβs because corners are being cut β which also undermines those yards that are doing everything properly.
If you need support or guidance on compliance, costings, or any other aspect of practical or administrative yard management, head over to the Yard Owner Hub at www.yardownerhub.co.uk
, where we provide all the tools you need to run a yard to expected industry standards and ensure your business is sustainable and viable.
Donβt forget β you can also join us at YardWise 2026: Smart Care, Smarter Business, a fantastic 2-day event in September supporting yard owners and their businesses in collaboration with leading industry experts. Find out more and register for tickets at www.yardwise.co.uk
You read the survey findings in full here:
https://yardownerhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2026-LIVERY-PRICING-SURVEY-FINDINGS.pdf
Stay tuned, because weβll also be sharing more insights from the survey at an exclusive industry event!
