Major disparities in livery prices across the UK have been laid bare in new data that paints a stark picture of an industry under immense financial strain. Speaking the recent National Equine Forum (5 March),Cheryl Johns, founder of Livery List and the Yard Owner Hub, shared findings from the2025 Livery List Pricing Survey, revealing a market where the cost of keeping a horse can vary dramatically depending on the yard.The survey attracted768 responses from 81 UK counties, covering 11 livery types. While median figures offer a broad guide around200 per month for DIYand600900 for full livery the real picture is far more complex. Some owners are payingDIY prices equivalent to full livery elsewhere, and in the most extreme cases a20,000 annual differencewas recorded between the lowest and highest fulllivery packages.Some yards are charging as little for full livery as others charge for DIY,Cheryl explained.It shows just how far apart the market has become.Cost-of-living pressures hit yards hard Cheryls findings echoed concerns raised earlier in the day by theBlue Cross, which reported a steep rise in welfare challenges linked to increased hay and feed prices, rising vet bills, and wider financial pressures affecting owners.Financial pressures from hay prices to vet bills are creating significant barriers for owners trying to meet basic welfare needs,said Sally Foskett, horse operations manager at the Blue CrossYard owners are feeling those pressures too. According to the survey, more than twothirds have raised their prices in the past 12 months, and80% expect further increasesthis year.Many yard owners simply cant absorb the increases anymore,Cheryl explained.A lot arent businesspeople theyre in it for the love of horses.The hidden factors behind your monthly bill While location and facilitiesremainobvious influences on price, Cheryl highlighted less visible factors that significantly affect what yards must charge. These include wage obligations, business rates, insurance, feed and bedding quality, and investment in biosecurity and welfare standards.At the moment, anybody can open a livery yard and operate as they wish,she said.There is no licensing, no dedicated regulatory body, and no mandatory inspections.This lack of regulation means some yardsoperateto exceptionallyhigh standards at a cost while others undercut by avoiding key welfare or legal responsibilities.Yards who dont meet expected standards compromise equine welfare and undervalue those who do,Cheryl added.Impact on welfare and accessibility The Blue Cross warned that these financial pressures are leading to more welfare cases entering its systems. The charity has already seen a rise in horses coming from private homes with serious health and behavioural issues, often linked to restricted turnout or owners struggling to afford basic care. The charitysHome Directscheme allowing horses to be rehomed directly from their current homes has seen significant growth as a result.By intervening earlier, we prevent welfare deterioration and reduce the risk of unsafe horse sales,Sally said.Without change, it will only get harder Cheryl issued a clear warning: without systemic support for yard owners, closures will continue, leaving fewer affordable and highquality options for owners.This is a challenging industry, and without change, it will only get harder. More yards will close, and there will be limited options for quality, affordable livery,she said.She urged the industry to explore improved regulatory frameworks, better business guidance for yard owners, and stronger owner education around welfare and compliance not just cost.We need to futureproof livery yards for both business owners and horse owners. The social value of equestrianism is enormous we must keep it safe, accessible, and affordable,Cheryl concluded.Related contentThe UK hay crisis: how extreme weather is redefining forage, welfare and costs for horse owners9 essential things to get right when youre taking care of a horseFuture of equestrianism to be explored at NEF 2026The post The numbers are shocking: wide gap in livery prices revealed as yards battle rising costs appeared first on Your Horse.