Specialist Equestrian Consultancy

A British Equestrian Trade Association survey of 2005/6 showed that 4.3 million people are horse riders

They estimated that in Britain some £4 billion per year is spent on horses and riding, with some £730 million spent on riding lessons.
The British Horse Society estimates that some 100 horses are killed using roads each year, but say that this could be more as there is no formal recording procedure that covers all accidents.

With a steady annual increase in road traffic, landowners have the ability to earn income from attracting recreational riders with facilities for permanent stable accommodation and/or the facility to exercise horses in a traffic free countryside environment.

Facilities for thoroughbred horses will attract a higher income, but would be expected to be provided to a very high standard.

Advice is also available for equestrian property sales, purchases or leasing.

General information
A horse is counted as 0.8 of a livestock unit

Approximate livery and grazing charges.
Grazing £10-30 per horse per week
DIY livery £20-50 per horse per week
Full livery £2500-3000 per horse per year

Prices will depend on a variety of criteria such as location, facilities, land type etc.
 

Costs
Post and Rail fencing -ie  "keepsafe"(diamond mesh) £13.50/m
Temporary stabling    £600 delivery plus £15/horse/week www.stablehiresales.com
Rough cost for a range of 12 timber boxes on concrete base £17-20,000

Planning

Horse grazing is classified as an agricultural use.
Fixed buildings in fields with a base (ie field shelter) require permission
If land is used as part of a commercial concern (ie livery) then planning is required as a change of use.
 

Points to remember about horses.

They are by nature destructive, and this is usually proportional to their size. Paddock fencing is a favoured means of testing their dental strength, as are stable doors, shrubs and specimen trees.
They tend to poach ground around gateways in the winter, and an effective way to manage the pasture is to follow horses with sheep on a rotational basis through the year.
Fencing in fields should have rounded corners to prevent animals from being trapped in corners by other dominant horses.

Building design considerations.

A traditional range of boxes that make up a stable yard have little scope for an alternative use. A portal frame barn has the advantage that boxes can be removed for an alternative enterprise.
Access would be required for horseboxes with a loading area. This area can be a problem regarding injury when loading and unloading and should be well planned. Storage will be required for straw/shavings for bedding, a secure tack room and feed store. Adequate storage for manure should be planned, bearing in mind legislation regarding both storage and disposal. In a farm setting, composting should be considered.
 

The cost of horses vary considerably, from a few hundred pounds for a pony to several thousand for a hunter & up to 6 figures for a competition horse. As these values rise so does the expectation of the facilities offered, and good local veterinary practices. 
 

Machinery

A well run concern will need equipment such as a paddock sweeper, chain harrows and topper.
 

I offer a consultancy service for equestrian projects on a national basis, and if you have any questions please telephone (01638 500155) or email at equestrian@keylocks.com