To run a riding establishment (where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction) in England, Scotland or Wales, you will need a licence from the Council.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be over 18 years of age. In England and Wales they must have not been disqualified:
- from keeping a riding establishment under the Riding Establishments Act 1964 and 1970
- from keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951
- from having custody of animals under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
- from keeping boarding establishments for animals under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
- from 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
What legislation governs this application?
Do I have to pay an application fee?
Yes. Please see Fees & Charges.
How is my application processed?
Before deciding an application the Council must consider a report from a veterinary surgeon or practitioner detailing whether the premises are suitable for a riding establishment and detailing the conditions of the premises and any horses.
The Council will also take into account whether the applicant is suitable and qualified to hold a licence. They must also be satisfied of the following: (is there any way of providing the blue text via a link 鈥� it鈥檚 a lot of copy)
- that consideration will be given to the condition of the horses and that they will be maintained in good health, kept physically fit and where the horse is to be ridden or used during riding instruction, be suitable for that purpose
- that the animals feet will be trimmed properly and that shoes are fitted properly and are in good condition
- that there will be suitable accommodation for the horses
- that for horses maintained on grass there is suitable pasture, shelter and water and that supplementary feed will be provided as and when needed
- that horses will be provided with suitable food, drink and bedding materials and will be exercised, groomed, rested and visited at suitable intervals
- that precautions will be taken to reduce the spread of contagious or infectious diseases and that veterinary first aid equipment and medicines will be provided and maintained
- that appropriate procedures are in place to protect and remove the horses in the case of a fire and that as part of this the name, address and telephone number of the licence holder is displayed outside the premises and fire instructions are displayed
- that storage facilities for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery are provided
In addition to any other conditions a riding establishment licence must be subject to the following conditions:
- that any horse inspected by an authorised officer and found to need veterinary attention will not be returned to work until the licence holder has obtained a veterinary certificate confirming the horse is fit for work
- that a horse will not be let out for hire or for use in instruction without the supervision of a responsible person aged 16 years or older, unless the licence holder is satisfied the rider doesn't require supervision
- that the business will not be left in the charge of someone under 16 years of age
- that the licence holder holds indemnity insurance
- that the licence holder keeps a register of all horses in their possession that are three years old or younger and that the register is available for inspection at all reasonable times
How long will it take to process my application and will implied consent apply?
Your application will take two months to process. Implied consent will not apply. It is in the public interest that the Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Council within two months please contact us.
Apply online
Can I appeal if my application fails?
Please contact the Environmental Health section in the first instance regarding any returned or refused licence applications.
Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' Court. Details of rights of appeal can be obtained from the Environmental Health section.
Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' Court but we would advise that you contact the Environmental Health section in the first instance.
Consumer Complaint
Should you wish to make a complaint please contact the Environmental Health section.
Contact Information
Public Protection
The General Offices
Steelworks Road
Ebbw Vale
NP23 6AA
Telephone: 01495 369542
Fax: 01495 355834