Cost of Horse Livery and Boarding
across the UK

# Horse Livery and Boarding Trade Body Accreditation

The main UK trade bodies and regulatory schemes relevant to horse livery and boarding include the British Horse Society (BHS), which offers approval through its Approved Livery Yards scheme, and the Association of Equine Veterinary Nurses (AEVN) for facilities with nursing staff. The Farrier's Registration Council (FRC) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) do not directly accredit livery yards but their involvement signals professional veterinary and farrier care on site. Some yards may also hold certification from the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), which requires members to meet welfare and business standards. These accreditations mean the yard has undergone independent inspection, meets recognised welfare standards for horse care, maintains proper facilities, and typically has trained staff. Understanding which bodies are relevant helps you assess whether a yard meets the specific standards that matter for your horse's needs.

To verify a provider's credentials, you should ask directly which trade bodies they are accredited with and request proof, as legitimate accreditation bodies maintain public registers that you can check online. For the BHS Approved Livery Yards scheme, you can search their directory on the BHS website to confirm current approval status. Ask for evidence of recent inspections, staff qualifications (such as BHS qualifications or AEVN registration), and whether they employ or regularly use a registered farrier and veterinary surgeon. It also helps to contact the trade body directly if you have doubts about a yard's claims. This matters because false or outdated claims about accreditation can indicate wider problems with honesty and standards, and accredited yards are subject to ongoing compliance checks, meaning you have recourse if standards slip. Additionally, accreditation provides independent verification of welfare standards, professional liability insurance, and proper