The complete app for equine yard management
The complete app for equine yard management
Human beings are wired to seek predictability and certainty. It’s why so many people get stuck doing things a certain way simply because “that’s how it’s always been done,” even when faced with a proven better approach.
The equestrian industry doubles down on this mindset. Changing beliefs or best practices is notoriously difficult, and much of this is likely rooted in the military’s
historical influence on equestrianism. Dedication, presentation, and personal discipline are valued traits, but a top-down approach to knowledge, rigid hierarchy, and an insistence on tradition have left their mark on the industry’s culture.
Right now, there is an essential conversation happening about livery yard models in the UK and the changes needed for financial sustainability. Many different solutions are being suggested, yet yard owners and managers often struggle to communicate and implement these changes, largely out of fear of how people will react. While this applies to livery clients as well, I’ll focus here on leading staff through change.
Introducing Change Without Resistance – LiveryLive Case Study
The LiveryLive app is a great example of innovation in the equestrian industry, designed to modernise, streamline, and simplify yard management.
Before introducing LiveryLive (or any major change), it may be worth taking the time to get clear on:
● Why do you want to introduce it?
● What are the benefits for you, your team, the horses in your care, your clients, and your business?
● What will it enable you and your team to start doing?
● What will it allow you to stop doing?
● What will this mean for the future of your business?
This clarity will help your staff understand the reasoning behind the change rather than feeling like it’s being imposed on them.
Set up for success.
When implementing a change, people digest information in different ways. Some will want all the details written down, while others may need time to process before they engage.
● Be mindful of how you frame the conversation. Opening with “you probably don’t think we need this, but let’s have a go” won’t inspire confidence. Instead, try: “This is
the kind of system that will set us apart from other yards and allow us to provide the best possible care for our horses and clients.”
● Give your team time to download the app, get logged in, and troubleshoot any issues before they start using it.
● Expect some objections. People crave certainty, and even positive change can feel unsettling. If someone is particularly resistant, don’t try to convince them—ask about
their concerns, reiterate why you’re introducing the change, and encourage them to give it a fair trial.
What next?
Agree on regular check-ins, particularly in the first few weeks, to support your team and assess the impact of the change. Since LiveryLive offers a six-week free trial, use this as a checkpoint to gather feedback. A simple approach is to ask staff to write down:
● “I love…” (aspects they find useful)
● “Even better if…” (suggestions for improvement)
Involving your team in the process ensures they feel part of the change rather than having it imposed on them. While this approach applies to introducing new technology, the same principles hold true for any change in your business. If you need support with a specific situation,
The Equestrian Leadership Consultancy can help. Click here to go to their Facebook page