What's the true value of your time?

Running a livery yard is a demanding and multi-skilled role that extends far beyond daily horse care.

Despite this, many livery yard owners still fail to properly factor their own labour into the pricing for their livery packages and services.

This often results in unsustainable workloads and income levels that, when broken down, equate to less than minimum wage.

The responsibilities of a yard owner go well beyond the physical tasks on the yard.

Administrative duties such as invoicing, record-keeping, and maintaining compliance all take significant time. In addition, client management—including responding to enquiries, billing, phone calls, and resolving issues—requires ongoing attention.

Marketing activities, such as managing social media, advertising vacancies, and maintaining an online presence, also form a key part of running a successful yard. All these elements contribute to the overall workload and must be considered when calculating the true cost of providing livery services.

Are yard owners working at a loss?

As of April 2025, the National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour. However, after accounting for all the time and effort involved in running a yard, many owners find they are effectively earning significantly less than this.

In some cases, when costs are fully accounted for, they may be working for free or even at a loss.

This highlights the urgent need for yard owners to review their pricing structures to ensure they are fairly compensating themselves for the full scope of their work and responsibilities.

Fair and sustainable pricing should take into account all aspects of the role—from hands-on work and client interaction to behind-the-scenes management. It is not about overcharging; it is about ensuring that yard owners can continue to operate professionally, responsibly, and without personal financial sacrifice.

For those needing guidance, the Yard Owner Hub offers practical support and resources to help yard owners review their pricing and ensure their services are appropriately costed and valued. It is essential that livery yard owners recognise the worth of their time and expertise, and structure their business in a way that supports long-term viability and fair compensation.

About the author and LiveryList

Cheryl Johns, owner and founder of LiveryList and the Yard Owner Hub, is a qualified and experienced yard manager, marketing advisor and business consultant with experience across a range of industries. She works as a consultant for equestrian charities and organisations developing their understanding of the livery sector. Launched in 2011, LiveryList is the UK’s leading directory of equestrian establishments. In 2023 they launched the Yard Owner Hub, and industry leading and industry recognised resource for the owners of equestrian establishments.

About the Equestrian Employers Association

The EEA is the go-to resource for yard owners who want to operate professionally, legally, and ethically, while saving time and money. Access a comprehensive choice of online tools, advice, discounts and support for just £49.50 a year.

Join the EEA