Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. The heroine of my upcoming release, Ryland’s Promise, has an unusual occupation, at least for a female – she owns and operates a livery stable. So I thought I’d chat a little bit about that today.
When most folks picture the Old West, they think of cattle drives, dusty trails, and cowboys tipping their hats. But tucked into nearly every town—big or small—was a place just as essential to daily life: the livery stable.
These often-overlooked businesses were the heartbeat of a community’s transportation – for both people and cargo. Whether you were arriving in town, heading to church, or needing a rig for a supply run, the livery stable was where your journey started (and your horse got a break). They housed not just animals, but wagons, buggies, and the occasional bit of gossip, too.
And for the most part, they were run by men.
But not always.
Women Behind the Stalls?
Livery work was hard, dirty, and demanding—dawn to dark and then some. So when a woman stepped into that world, she had to be hardy, able, and commanding.
Occasionally, women inherited stables after the death of a father or husband. Others simply stepped into the role out of necessity. Either way, they had to earn respect in a world that didn’t expect—or always accept—a female behind the reins.
She’d need to:
- Know horses better than most men
- Manage equine boarders, livery staff, and finances
- Maintain equipment and keep the books
- And hold her chin up when folks questioned her place in the trade
It wasn’t for the faint of heart—but the right woman could not only survive, she could thrive.
Meet Josie Wylie
In my upcoming release, Ryland’s Promise, Josephine Wylie is one such woman. Practical, sharp, and steady as a trusted trail horse, she runs her family’s livery stable with grit and quiet pride. She’s spent years putting her family’s needs ahead of her own—until Ryland Everhart comes to town, passing through, determined to reach a friend in need, and with a way of unsettling her careful world.
Josie doesn’t go looking for romance—but sometimes, love comes calling, ready or not.
Livery Life by the Numbers
Want a peek into what life was really like behind those big barn doors? Here’s what you might find at a typical small-town Texas livery around 1892:
The Going Rate
- Boarding a horse overnight: 25¢ to 50¢
- Weekly boarding: $2–$3
- Renting a saddle horse: 75¢ to $1.50/day
- Buggy & horse combo: $1–$2/day
- Buckboard or surrey rental: $2–$3/day
- Extra feed or grooming care: 10¢–15¢
Rates could jump during holidays, fairs, or political rallies—when horses (and tempers) were in short supply.
Around the Clock
Most liveries were staffed 24/7. The owner or a hired stable hand usually slept in a tack room or up in the hayloft, ready to tend horses or meet late-night travelers arriving by stage or rail.
Where Did They Keep It All?
- Horses were stalled inside the main barn, but overflow or short-term boarders were often kept in outdoor pens or corrals nearby.
- Mules and draft teams might be housed separately or tied off outside under a lean-to.
- Wagons, buggies, and buckboards were stored in sheds or under awnings, protected from the elements but easy to access.
- Most stables had lofts for hay storage—and a place to sleep if you were the unlucky one on night duty.
Horse Sales, Too
Yes—many liveries bought and sold horses, either from their own stock or on consignment for locals. A trusted livery owner was often the town’s go-to for finding a sound riding horse or trading in a tired one.
And Let’s Be Honest…
Livery stables weren’t exactly fragrant. The scent of hay mixed with manure, horse sweat, and oil from the buggy wheels. But they were also places of quiet routine, skillful care, and—if you knew where to look—unexpected stories waiting to unfold.
What do you think? Did any of the above information surprise you? If so, what and why?
Or have you ever had a job—or read about one—that felt unusual for the time period or for the person doing it? Whether it’s a female blacksmith in a novel or your own unexpected career path, I’d love to hear about it!
Drop your thoughts in the comments and you’ll be automatically entered in a drawing for your choice of any of my backlist books.
RYLAND’S PROMISE
A promise fulfilled. A heart awakened. A Christmas he’ll never forget.
When Texas rancher turned Philadelphia lawyer Ryland Everhart returns to Texas, he’s too late. Belle, the childhood friend he’d come to see, has passed away—leaving behind a young daughter and one final request. Though Ry was delayed by unexpected violence and never heard her ask it aloud, she named him guardian… and he’s determined to honor that trust.
Josephine Wylie has always put her family first, even if it means shelving her own hopes. She’s sure Ry is the perfect match—for her sister. Putting him in the role of head of the family, she believes, will finally free her to live out her dreams. But as Christmas draws near and Ry settles into their lives, Josie begins to see something more than obligation in his eyes—and something far more dangerous in her own heart.
Guided by the weight of a promise and the quiet pull of unexpected affection, Ry must decide whether doing right by Belle’s daughter means walking away—or daring to stay and claim a future he never imagined.
(NOTE: This book was previously published under the title The Christmas Journey)
Winnie Griggs is the author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She is also a list maker, a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.
Three of Winnie’s books have been nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and one of those nominations resulted in a win.
Winnie loves to hear from readers. You can connect with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.
That’s very interesting history.
My former dental hygienist was also a horse dental hygienist–something you don’t think about as a job. She had horses, so it made sense for to add to her education and skillset.
Oh wow, I’ve never heard of a horse dental hygienist – sounds like it would be a fun occupation to give the heroine of a book. 🙂
Sounds intriguing!
Thanks!
It sounds like a really interesting book.
Thank you
How interesting! I never thought about a woman running the livery.
Growing up, we bred and raised sheep for 4H. We also added piglets but didn’t breed them. It was hard work especially in the winter keeping the area clean and the water buckets changed when they froze. Those babies were so darn cute!
My kids raised 4H sheep so I know exactly what you’re talking about!
This book sounds good.
Thank you
I think it would be a pretty tough job for a woman, but then horses have always been my favorite animal. My Dad was somewhat of a horse trader in my youth – I rode more horses for him than I could ever remember and never had a fear of being thrown!
I never was around horses growing up so I didn’t gain an kind of affinity for them. But I have always thought they looked like noble animals
I think you would get use to the smell but I think would be tough for a woman with the clothes I had to wear. All the petticoats. Not to mention the back breaking work.
My heroine Josie gave up the petticoats for the practicality of overalls 🙂
I can imagine how hard it would be for a woman to be accepted as a livery owner/operator. Back then it was almost impossible for a woman to be accepted in any job outside the norm, and for a man to have to trust a woman to care for his horse, his most important possession, yeah that must have been extremely hard. More power to her. lol
Can’t wait to read your book.
Thanks Sarah! I hope you enjoy it
Thanks Sarah! I hope you do enjoy it
I raised horses for several years so I am aware of all the hard work. Also, I became the first female electronic technician for the Postal Service in the five-state Southeastern District. It was several more years before there was another female in that position.
Oh wow, congratulations on that first!
Your book sounds interesting. I never considered someone would have to be there 24 hours a day.
I know! I discovered quite a few unexpected things when I research this for the book
Good morning. Thanks for sharing all your information. Well a lady can definitely wear pants. Mom and I did while living on the farm. And I know other women in history did. I have many ancestors who did. Keeping a livery stable was one way to keep loving and caring for those horses and giving others something needed.
Hi Lori. Thanks for coming by and leaving a response. And you’re quite welcome, I love sharing research with interested readers
I like to occasionally see a woman in a man’s role in the West, and I’ve read several books with a livery hero.
Hello Janice. I agree, it keeps things fresh and interesting
I watch lots of westerns with my husband and see the in and outs of the livery stable often. Never one time have I seen a woman operating one, although I suppose she could have done so if she was so inclined. It is not for someone who cannot tolerate the odors, as they can be pretty potent. I grew up on a farm with horses, cows, sheep, pigs and it does get very “ripe” as we used to say. Would I choose to do it? NO! I also never knew a woman who wanted such an occupation. My older sister spent the majority of her time helping my dad outside and didn’t seem to mind it. That’s the difference between us as I preferred to stay inside with mom and help her with much cleaner chores.
Yes it’s definitely not a job for everyone. That’s why there were so few women livery owners in the day
I can only imagine how hard it would be to own and operate a livery as a woman. The long hours and manual labor would have been hard work.
Yes, it was definitely very hard work. It’s certainly not a job I would have wanted 🙂
How intriguing! I never thought about that. They are always there but just taken for granted.
Isn’t it fun to dig deeper and learn more about those background players?
Working in a Livery Stable sounds like alot of hard work! I bet the day goes by fast and when it is time to go to bed you lay down exhausted. This is so very interesting , Thank you so much for sharing this part of history. Your book sounds like a great read, and I love the book cover! I will be adding it to my TBR for sure. Have a great day and a great week.
Thanks so much Alicia, I appreciate that you think the story sounds interesting.
I have been around animals including horses all of my life so the information about the livery stable did not surprise me. Women in jobs traditionally held by men was a discussion my daughters, granddaughter and I had this weekend. They and a friend have experienced the discrimination that sometimes occurs even today. My granddaughter is a civil engineer working for the forestry division of the State Department of Natural Resources. One daughter is a Realtor and the other is an International Trade Specialist for the State Department of Agriculture. Their friend is in a V P position at a bank. I thought we had gotten past some of the situations they have been exposed to…..I was wrong.
Yes those prejudices exist still today. It just takes more women to push at those glass ceilings to gain the acceptance we want
An interesting article. I can’t imagine doing that kind of work. It sounds so long and tiring but probably pretty fulfilling if you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing. The book sounds awesome.
Thanks Barbara, I appreciate your enthusiasm!
I LOVE this story!! This is part of my favorite series!! Josie is a great character, and what a match for Ry!! Of course, my favorite book is Sadie and Eli’s!! In your Texas Grooms series, Everett is my favorite, I think because he’s a lot like Eli!!
Oh wow Thank you Trudy. That kind of enthusiasm for my books really warms my heart, you made my day!
I have read this story, when it was titled A Christmas Journey,very good!
Thank you so much Bridget, I appreciate your enthusiasm for the book!
This is an interesting article! I don’t recall reading any stories with a female in charge of the livery stable.
Hi Jeannie. No I don’t imagine there are, since it was a rare occurrence. But Josie was a fun character to write.
I knew most of the information on livery stables except for the prices, which my guess was pretty close. It was my understanding that many livery owners also were blacksmiths. Financially, it would make sense. They would not have to pay to keep their stock shod or wagons repaired. It would be a lot of work for a single person to run both businesses. Personally, I think it worked better as a partnership between the businesses.
There are many roles women did not usually fill. Off hand I can’t think of any book or show that I have read/seen where a woman was a lawyer or judge during that time frame.
good point Patricia, i don’t think I have either.
Thanks for sharing the article. It was very interesting and I haven’t heard of women livery stable owners. The book sounds like a great read.