Carolyn Henderson - Caring for a Horse Or Pony

Transport can add considerable costs to your budget.

Parents should talk to experienced adults about the back-up help they will need to give so that pony care can be fitted into family and school commitments. This will range from providing transport to helping with daily careeven if that only means walking up a field with a torch on winter evenings to catch and check on a pony!

Unless you are lucky enough to own or rent land and facilities, you will keep your horse at livery. This term originates from the time when wealthy landowners supplied their employees with liveryfood and clothingand gradually changed its meaning to cover accommodation and food given to animals. Later still, it evolved to mean yards which provided horses for hire and todays livery yards are horse hotels!

There are five livery systems: grass, general DIY, part or assisted DIY, full and working.

Grass livery means that a pony lives out all the time, all year round. In one way, it is the most natural way of keeping a horse, but you must have a stable available for emergencies, such as when a pony is ill or injured. As explained later in this book, you will also need strategies in place to make sure he does not become overweight, as this can lead to serious health problems.

If you keep a pony at grass livery on a livery yard or at a riding school, the landowner will be responsible for ensuring that the land is kept in good condition, the fencing is safe and the pony has adequate shelter. Some owners rent grazing and maintain it themselves or pay a contractor to do so, but this involves extra work and costs.

General DIY livery is the most popular form and, if you develop a good working system, is cost effective. It means that you rent a stable and grazing and are totally responsible for your ponys welfare. However, on most yards you will find other owners who can help you when needed in exchange for you returning the favour. As long as arrangements are clear and both parties are conscientious and reliable, this can work well.

Part or assisted DIY livery means that the yard owner/staff help look after your pony. The extra costs will vary according to how much work is involved, but this system can provide your pony with a reliable routine and give you peace of mind. If you take time and travelling costs into account, it may also save money.

Full livery is the most expensive, as the yard owner/staff look after your horse and exercise him when necessary. It is an option sometimes taken by adults who work long or irregular hours if it provides the only way they can own a horse, but isnt recommended for young riders. On the right yard, your pony should be well cared for, but you wont have the pleasure of looking after him, nor will you get to know him and forge the bond that is essential if you are to be partners.

Working livery is offered by some riding schools. Here, the school shares your pony and uses him for lessons in return for a reduced livery cost. The advantage is that the pony will get enough exercise but the disadvantages are that you wont have unlimited access to him and he may be ridden by riders of different abilities.

If you are keeping your pony on a livery yard, it is important that you find one where both you and he are happy. Ask Members and Officials at your Pony Club Branch for recommendations. Some Pony Club Centres may offer livery and many yards now have websites where you can find out about facilities and charges.

Choose a yard where you stand a good chance of making friends and finding like-minded owners. Young riders will probably not be happy on a yard where all the other riders are older, and vice versa!

Find a yard where you and your horse will be happy.

When you find a potential yard, make an appointment to visit and if necessary, take someone more experienced with you. Your impression for more information.

All yards must have fire control and security measures. Horse theft is relatively rare, but theft of tack and equipment is, sadly, common. It is down to you to protect your horse through measures such as freeze marking and microchipping and to mark tack and equipment with your postcode, but tackrooms should have adequate locks and security systems.