Riding Establishments

Stables that hire out horses for riding or instruction must be licensed under the Riding Establishments Act 1964.

A licence must be obtained from the local authority in whose area the establisment is to operate in. The licence lasts for one year and must be annually renewed. Existing establishments are sent an application form two months prior to renewal by our Licensing Office.

An application form for a riding establishment licence may be downloaded here or can be requested from our Licensing Office (please visit our main Licensing Office page for their contact details).

Fees for licences are reviewed annually.The current application fee (2008-2009) is £110.00 plus vets fees.

Before a licence is granted or renewed the horses and premises is inspected by a veterinary surgeon who is qualified to inspect horses. The Council also needs to be confident that the licensee is a competent person to run such an establishment.

Various matters will be taken into account in respect of license conditions including:

-health, feeding and accommodation of the horses

-fire precautions

-accommodation for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery

The following areas have mandatory conditions:

-unfit horses

-supervision

-insurance in respect of personal injuries

-a register of horses under three years of age

The Council has standard conditions relating to riding establishments.

Complaints involving riding establishments and reported accidents are investigated in the Department.