Riding establishments licence
Licences to keep a riding establishment are issued under the
Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970.
Licence summary
A Riding Establishment is "the carrying on of a business of
keeping horses to let them out for hire for riding or riding
instruction". Licences are renewable annually.
Eligibility criteria
No provision in the legislation
Regulation summary
- A horse found on inspection of the premises by an
authorised officer to be in need of veterinary attention shall not
be returned to work until the holder of the licence has obtained at
his own expense and has lodged with the local authority a
veterinary certificate that the horse is fit for work;
- No horse will be let out on hire for riding or used for
providing instruction in riding without supervision by a
responsible person of the age of 16 years or over unless (in the
case of a horse let out for hire for riding) the holder of the
licence is satisfied that the hirer of the horse is competent to
ride without supervision
- The carrying on of the business of a riding establishment shall
at no time be left in the charge of any person under 16 years of
age
- The licence holder shall hold a current insurance policy which
insures him against liability for any injury sustained by those who
hire a horse from him for riding and those who use a horse in the
course of receiving from him, in return for payment, instruction in
riding and arising out of the hire or use of a horse as aforesaid
and which also insures such persons in respect of any liability
which may be incurred by them in respect of injury to any person
caused by, or arising out of, the hire or use of a horse as
aforesaid
- A register shall be kept by the licence holder of all
horses in his possession aged three years and under and usually
kept on the premises, which shall be available for inspection by an
authorised officer at all reasonable times. (Sec. 1(4a)).
Application evaluation process
The council will arrange for the inspection of horses and
premises by a veterinary surgeon to ensure the welfare of the
animals and that the accommodation is suitable. The licence will be
issued subject to compliance with licence conditions and payment of
the licence fee. Guidance on conditions for riding
establishment licences is issued by the British Veterinary
Association.
Will tacit consent apply?
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 a reasonable period, please contact us using the
contact details provided.
Apply for a licence
Telephone or email for an application form. You should be
able to apply for the following licences online in early
2010:
Application for a licence to operate a riding
establishment;
Application to change a riding establishment licence
Failed application redress
Please contact us (Environmental Health Service) in the first
instance.
Licence holder redress
Please contact us (Environmental Health Service) in the first
instance.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if
you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give
you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Trade associations
Office of Public
Sector Information;
British Veterinary Association