Good neighbours
Want to maintain a harmonious atmosphere at the yard? We reveal how to build good relationships with your fellow liveries
Words: Kiera Boyle.
Photos: Bob Atkins, Jon Stroud
Being part of a livery yard can make life with your horse more exciting and enjoyable because you’re in the company of like-minded people who you can ride with, talk to and form friendships with. However, it can also become a place where personalities sometimes clash.
Of course, the yard should be your place to relax, somewhere to forget about the outside world and enjoy quality time with your horse, but it’s safe to say that navigating yard politics can be stressful, time consuming and, occasionally, it can even take the fun out of your hobby.
Is there that one livery you try to avoid because they make you feel down, annoyed, or frustrated? Luckily, we know how you feel. To help you handle your yard relationships more easily, we’ve come up with a list of the types of people you might encounter there and how to deal with them in a polite yet effective manner to restore harmony.
TOP TIP
No matter how argumentative or annoying someone may seem, always try to be kind. You don’t know what someone’s going through behind closed doors, and they might appreciate having someone they can talk to.
The self-proclaimed expert
Every yard has one – that person who thinks they know better or more than everybody else. Whatever you do or say, they have an opinion and will give it, even when not asked for it. No matter what, this person has to show off their knowledge as if they’re a contestant on Mastermind, yet all the time oblivious to the fact that their input is unwanted.