Livery agreements and notice periods

What a livery agreement should cover, the notice periods yards usually ask for, and why to get it in writing.

Most disputes between yards and liveries are about money, notice and who was responsible when something went wrong. A written agreement, signed before the horse arrives, settles most of them before they start.

What a livery agreement should cover

- The type of livery, the fee, how often it's paid, and whether it's paid in advance. - Exactly what the fee includes, and the price of every extra. - The notice period, for both sides, and whether fees are due if you leave without notice. - Any deposit, and when and how it's returned. - Turnout arrangements, and what happens when fields are closed. - Insurance: what the yard holds (care, custody and control cover) and what you must hold. - Vaccinations, worming, farrier visits, and who can authorise a vet in an emergency. - Yard rules and opening hours.

Notice periods

Yards commonly ask for a month's notice, sometimes more, and many charge the fee in lieu if you go sooner. Some ask for a deposit or a month in advance. Read this part before you sign: it decides what it costs to leave if things go wrong.

Unpaid fees and liens

In England and Wales a yard owed money may have a legal right to keep a horse until the bill is paid (a lien), depending on the services provided and the agreement. This is one reason to keep your account up to date and your notice in writing. For a dispute, take advice: the British Horse Society publishes guidance for owners and yards.

Get it in writing

If a yard doesn't use an agreement, ask for the main points in an email: the fee, what's included, the notice period. It costs nothing and protects both of you.