When we are on a big busy livery yard tidiness and maintenance is key. With lots of people, ponies and moving parts things can very quickly get out of hand, leading to dangerous situations, damages and arguments. One area that gets a lot of use on a livery yard is the arena. 

With so many people sharing one space, respect for others, cleaning up and reporting breakages are key. So, what can you do to make sure your arena is kept in optimum condition for everyone to enjoy?

1. Make sure there are clear signs up stating what is acceptable and also the rules for things like picking up poo – does it have to be done straight away, or is it at the end of the ride and picking out feet – do they have to be done before leaving the arena. Sweeping back dragged out surface etc.
2. Make sure there are tools to hand for poo picking and feet picking, brooms etc. Don’t forget a mounting block in the corner if people need to get off mid ride to tidy up.
3. Have a system for reporting damages, and encourage people to use it. Make sure everyone is aware of the policy if they do damage something – is it covered by livery payments or do they needed to repair and replace? This should also be put into a livery contract so everyone knows where they stand.
4. When it comes to jumping and pole work there should be guidelines in place for setting up and putting away, to make sure they are not left out all the time. Having an easy to access clear area for pole and jump storage is a must (you can read our previous blog for top tips on pole and jump storage here)
5. Guidelines should also be in place for liveries that are wanting to use their own sets of jumps, poles and risers etc. Are you happy for liveries to provide their own equipment, where will it be stored, who is responsible for it, will it be covered under your insurance, how can you make sure it is not used by everybody, who sorts out damages etc? You may decide that liveries are not allowed to provide their own equipment.
6. Surface maintenance – you should have a programme for your arena surface, to make sure it stays in tip top condition. This should cover things like harrowing and watering schedules, taking into account the amount and type of use the arena gets, and who is responsible for this, are you taking it on board or is it down to the liveries to do themselves? If you are unsure of how to maintain your arena surface you can speak to Foleys Equestrian surfaces for help. 
7. General maintenance of the arena fencing and surrounding foliage, where necessary will need to be managed. Along with things like weeding the corners or the arena. These all need to be done correctly, as weeding can affect membranes and surfaces, and wet paint, especially creosote can be very damaging to tack and equipment, as well as dangerous for the horses. So, this type of work needs to be planned and carried out by a professional. Maintenance is key, as it helps prevent accidents and also makes sure you are covered by your insurance, if there are any issues. When carrying out maintenance make sure all liveries are notified well in advance, and that clear signs are put up around wet paint, machinery and workmen.
8. Don’t forget to keep the lights and gates in good working order too, especially coming into winter. September is a really good time to check all the lights are working and replace any bulbs, before the weather gets really bad. It is also a good time to rehang gates, oil hinges and make any repairs, so the arena is in tip top condition throughout the winter months, when it is likely to get more use.

Whilst there is a lot to think about and plan for, it is well worth getting procedures and standards in place as early as possible. Making sure everything is planned and explained, as well as put into livery contracts, allows everyone to get a clear picture of what to expect, and helps prevent problems and arguments further down the line.

The next blog is all about managing arena use for lessons and individual riding on a livery yard.

Tidy Tack Rooms

www.tidytackrooms.co.uk