Nothing kills the excitement of a holiday faster than that nagging feeling in the back of your mind: "Is my horse okay?" Whether you're popping away for a weekend or jetting off for two weeks, sorting out reliable horse care when going on holiday is one of the most important things you'll plan. Get it right, and you'll relax completely. Get it wrong, and you'll spend your trip checking your phone and worrying.
This guide covers every option available to you — from informal arrangements with fellow liveries to professional full livery cover — along with a practical planning checklist so nothing gets forgotten.
Option 1: Ask a Fellow Livery Owner
If you're at a friendly yard, asking another livery to keep an eye on your horse is often the cheapest and simplest option. Most horse owners understand the favour system — they'll help you out now, and you'll return the favour when they need it.
But informal arrangements need clear communication. Don't just say "can you check on my horse?" Be specific:
- What time do you want them fed morning and evening?
- Exactly how much feed and haylage should they get?
- Should they be turned out, and if so, at what time and for how long?
- Which rugs go on, and when do they change?
- What should your helper do if something seems wrong?
Even if you have a good friend at the yard, write everything down. In an emergency, clear written instructions reduce the chance of mistakes and give your helper confidence to act.
Option 2: Paid Holiday Cover from Your Yard
Many yards offer a paid holiday cover service, and it's often the best balance of cost and peace of mind. You're paying people who already know your horse, know the yard, and know what to do if something goes wrong.
At Greenbank, our day rate for holiday cover covers all the essentials: mucking out, turnout, feeding, and making up haylage nets. We can also exercise your horse if you want them to stay in work while you're away — whether that's schooling, hacking, or lunging. It's flexible, so you only pay for what you need.
The advantage of yard-provided cover is consistency. Your horse keeps their normal routine, their normal feed times, and their normal carers. That stability matters — horses are creatures of habit, and the less their routine changes while you're away, the better.
You can read more about our livery services, including holiday cover, on our livery services page.
Option 3: Temporary Full Livery
If you're going away for an extended period — a week or more — upgrading to full livery temporarily might be the simplest solution. The yard takes complete care of your horse: feeding, mucking out, turnout, exercise, grooming, and any medical needs.
This is ideal if you want to switch off completely. There's no guilt, no checking in, no worry about whether your helper remembered to change the rug. It costs more than day-rate cover, but the total peace of mind is worth it for many owners — especially for longer trips.
Your Holiday Planning Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks before you go:
- Book cover well in advance — don't leave it until the last week. Popular holiday periods fill up fast
- Write everything down — create a printed care sheet with exact feed amounts, turnout times, and rug changes
- Leave emergency contact numbers — your vet, your farrier, and a way to reach you (or a backup contact)
- Label all supplements and medications — with clear instructions on dose, frequency, and how to administer
- Stock up on supplies — make sure there's enough haylage, feed, and bedding to last your trip, plus a buffer
- Check your insurance — some equine insurance policies have specific requirements about who can care for your horse when you're away
- Introduce your carer to your horse — let them handle your horse a few times before you leave so everyone's comfortable
- Leave a spare set of rugs — in case the weather turns and a different weight is needed
- Tell your vet — let them know you'll be away and who to contact if they're needed
What About Your Dog or Cat?
If you've got dogs or cats at home alongside your horse, going on holiday can feel like a logistical puzzle. That's where being at Greenbank has a unique advantage — we also run Greenbank Lancaster Kennels & Cattery right here on the same farm.
You can drop your dog or cat at the kennels and then walk over to check in on your horse — all in one visit. The kennels offer comfortable, purpose-built boarding accommodation with twice-daily walks for dogs. It's the ultimate one-stop solution for multi-pet owners, and it means everything is managed in one place by a team that knows animals.
To book your dog or cat into the kennels, visit their booking page or check their FAQ for common questions about boarding.
Don't Forget Winter Planning
If you're going away during winter, there's an extra layer of planning involved. Weather conditions can change quickly, and your horse's needs might shift while you're gone. Make sure your carer knows what to do if temperatures drop suddenly — which rugs to swap to, whether turnout should be reduced, and how to check water sources for ice.
For more detailed advice on winter-specific care, read our winter horse care guide — it covers feeding, rugging, and management in cold weather.
Enjoy Your Holiday
With proper planning and the right care arrangements in place, there's absolutely no reason you can't enjoy a well-earned break. Your horse will be fine — they might even enjoy the change of pace.
At Greenbank, we provide holiday cover year-round and we treat every horse as if they were our own. If you'd like to discuss holiday care for your horse — whether you're already with us or looking for a new yard — get in touch and we'll put together a plan that works for you.