Working more, earning less: New survey highlights pressure on yard owners

Running a livery yard is a demanding role, but new industry survey findings highlight just how significant the gap can be between the hours invested and the financial return many owners receive.

A recent LiveryList poll explored the relationship between workload and perceived earnings, asking yard owners and managers how their overall workload — including physical labour, administration, client communication and business management — compared with their effective hourly earnings.

The results reveal a challenging picture:

• 4% reported earning well above minimum wage
• 4% reported earning above minimum wage
• 5% reported earning around minimum wage
• 62% reported earning below minimum wage
• 24% do not calculate their hourly wage
• 1% have never considered it

The findings suggest that a large proportion of yard owners are working extensive hours for a return that falls below minimum wage when the full scope of their role is considered. A significant number are also not actively calculating the financial value of their own time, meaning the true cost of running their business may not be fully recognised.

The Reality Behind the Figures

The results reflect the wide-ranging responsibilities involved in running a modern livery yard. While daily horse care remains at the heart of the role, owners are also managing many additional tasks that are essential to keeping a business operating.

This includes communicating with clients, managing admin and invoices, arranging routine equine care, overseeing maintenance, handling enquiries, supporting horse welfare decisions and ensuring compliance with business and insurance requirements.

For many owners, the result is that they are effectively filling multiple roles at once. Much of this work happens outside traditional yard hours and is often unseen by clients, yet it represents a significant part of the workload.

When Workload Becomes Unsustainable

The survey findings raise important questions about how sustainable this model is long term, particularly as operating costs continue to increase.

Feed, forage, bedding, utilities, and repair costs have all placed additional pressure on equestrian businesses. At the same time, many owners are absorbing the impact by taking on more of the workload themselves rather than bringing in additional support.

For some businesses, the next step may be considering whether extra help is needed, whether through employing staff, working with professional freelance services such as grooms, coaches or riders to support and diversify services.

Bringing in Support Requires Planning

While additional help can reduce pressure and create opportunities for growth, it also brings new responsibilities.

Anyone taking on staff must ensure they meet employment obligations, including appropriate contracts, wage requirements and other employer responsibilities. Those working with freelancers or contractors should also ensure arrangements are clear and that individuals have suitable insurance cover for the services they provide.

As businesses evolve, insurance needs should also be reviewed. Changes such as employing staff, offering new services or having additional professionals working on-site may affect the level of cover required.

Taking time to complete risk assessments, review working practices and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities can help protect both the business and the people working within it.

Supporting Better Business Decisions

The survey highlights the importance of yard owners understanding not only their income, but also the true value of their time and the cost of delivering their services.

Creating a sustainable business may require difficult decisions around pricing, workload and investment in support. However, recognising when additional help is needed and putting the correct systems in place can help owners protect their own wellbeing while continuing to maintain high standards of horse care.

Recent research within equine management, including Labour, leisure and love: An exploration of UK livery yard management and decision-making around equine care by Dr Tamsin Furtado, has also highlighted the complexity of decision-making within livery yard management, where welfare, financial pressures and available resources must constantly be balanced.

The LiveryList survey provides a clear reminder that behind every yard is a significant amount of unseen work. Understanding that workload, valuing time correctly and planning carefully for growth will be essential for building more sustainable equestrian businesses in the future.

If you own a livery yard, keep it safe with valued protection from SEIB. Call us now to get a Livery Yard Insurance quote on 01708 850 000 or email info@seib.co.uk to find out more.

About SEIB

SEIB Insurance Brokers have been providing insurance for Horses for over 60 years. We provide a flexible range of policies to suit your needs from Horsebox Insurance and Horse Trailer Insurance too. Our experienced team of horse owners can help provide you with advice on what cover you might need.