With many British horse owners keeping their horses at livery yards, H&H decided to find out how Britain compares to other major equestrian nations around the world.
France
- The French Equestrian Federation (FEF) was unable to provide H&H with any figures for average livery costs as it does not license yards. As a guide, though, Izzy Brooke, who runs her own yard in St Pierre du Fresne, Normandy, says livery costs increase the closer you get to a city. “Normandy is between e300-e400 [£237-£316] per month, while yards closer to Paris can range from e450-e600, [£356-£474]” she explains
- Holiday centres and riding clubs, although not officially licensed, are controlled by the French Ministry of Agriculture
- Thinking of setting up your own yard in France? Be aware that all agricultural businesses must register with their regional chamber of agriculture. You will then be issued with a Siret number, which is allocated to all French businesses
- Contacts: Château Sombrun, www.sombrun.com
Ecurie du Bussin, www.freewebs.com/ecuriedubussin
The French Equestrian Federation, www.ffe.com
USA
- Livery costs vary in the US — the average at a smart yard is $900, or £456 per month
- Boarding barns are popular, but liveries may have to commute
- Turnout and grazing can be good, particularly in rural areas
- There is no licensing of yards in the US
- Contacts: Harmony Equestrian, www.harmonyequestrian.com United States Equestrian Federation, www.usef.org
The Netherlands
- Livery costs can be very reasonable — the average is e400 (£318) per month
- There are lots of yards, but turnout is often limited
- Many, but not all, Dutch livery stables are licensed
- Contacts: Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation, www.knhs.nl; FNRS, www.fnrs.nl/overzicht/overzicht.htm
Germany
- Livery costs vary in Germany, but many yards are of a high standard; the average full livery cost is e400, or £318 per month
- Turnout may be limited and all-day turnout is rare
- Amateur riding in Germany is club-focused and there are 7,637 riding and driving clubs in the country
- Although there is no official licensing scheme, in a system similar to that found in the Netherlands, yards are encouraged to become members of the German National Equestrian Federation.Riding schools and holiday centres are also encouraged to join
- Contact: The German National Equestrian Federation, www.pferd-aktuell.de
German National Equestrian Federation, www.pferd-aktuell.de
Don’t miss H&H’s exclusive feature on livery yards abroad in this week’s issue (12 June), on sale now
