Riding school licence

This is a place where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction.

If you have concerns about animal welfare or behaviour, or wish to enquire about animal licensing please use our animal advice or licensing enquiry form.

Eligibility

Applicants must be over 18 years old. Applicants must have not been disqualified from:

• keeping a riding establishment
• keeping a pet shop, under the Pet Animals Act 1951
• having custody of animals, under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
• keeping boarding establishments for animals, under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• keeping or owning animals, being able to influence how animals are kept, dealing animals or transporting or being involved in the transporting of animals, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006

Evaluation criteria and licence conditions

To consider an application, we need a report from a veterinary surgeon or practitioner detailing:

• whether the premises are suitable for a riding establishment
• the conditions of the premises and any horses

We also need to consider if the applicant is suitable and qualified to hold a licence. We must be satisfied that:

• consideration will be given to the condition of the horses, and they will be kept in good health and physically fit. Where the horse is to be ridden or used during riding instruction, they should be suitable for that purpose.
• the animals' feet will be trimmed properly and shoes are fitted properly and are in good condition
• there will be suitable accommodation for the horses
• for horses kept on grass, there is suitable pasture, shelter and water. Supplementary feed will be provided as and when needed
• horses will be given appropriate food, drink and bedding materials and will be exercised, groomed, rested and visited at suitable intervals
• precautions will be taken to reduce the spread of contagious or infectious diseases. Veterinary first aid equipment and medicines will be provided and maintained
• appropriate procedures are in place to protect and remove the horses in the case of a fire. The name, address and telephone number of the licence-holder is shown outside the premises and fire instructions are displayed
• there are storage facilities for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery

A riding establishment licence must be subject to the following conditions:

• any horse our inspector finds in need of medical attention will not be returned to work without a veterinary certificate confirming its fitness
• a horse will not be hired out or used in instruction without being supervised by responsible person aged 16 years or older - unless the licence-holder is satisfied the rider doesn't need it
• the business will not be left in the charge of someone under the age of 16
• the licence-holder holds indemnity insurance
• the licence-holder keeps a register of all horses in their possession that are three years old or younger. This register is always available for inspection

We will need to inspect the premises before we grant a licence.

See a summary of the licence regulations on the Office of Public Sector Information website.

To apply

Riding establishment licences are issued by us.

Please email us including your name, address and other contact details.

An officer will contact you to explain the application process. 

Fees

Fees are based on your licence requirements. Our officer can advise you. 

No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 28 working days, email us or give us a call.

Please contact us.

If your application is refused, you can appeal to your local Magistrates' Court.

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint, you contact the trader by letter with proof of delivery.

If that hasn't worked, GOV.UK gives advice on consumer rights within the UK. If you're from outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

For complaints relating to another aspect of the operation such as noise, pollution or public health, please contact us.