Anyone who keeps a riding establishment will require a licence from the local authority under the 1964 Act as amended by the 1970 Act.

A riding establishment is defined as 'the carrying on of a business of keeping horses to let them out for hire for riding or riding instruction'.

Council duties

The local authority can impose conditions on the licence and in the exercise of its discretion, may take into account the suitability of the applicant/manager, the accommodation and pasture, adequacy of the provision for the horses' health, welfare and exercise, precautions against fire and disease and the suitability of the horses as regards the reasons for which they are kept.

Further Information

Further information is available from the DEFRA website.

Apply for a Licence

Applications can be made on line on the Council’s website


Fees

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time an application is made. The fee covers the cost of administration, inspection by a vet and enforcement activity.

Public Register

The public register of existing licences/consents/permits/registrations can be viewed on the Council’s website

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