Animal welfare licensing

You need a licence to run a riding school, livery yard, or any business involving horses.

The licensed riding establishments register is currently being updated and is unavailable.

What we check

We enforce the standards set out in the Riding Establishments Act 1964-1970, along with appointed veterinary inspectors. Your premises must be inspected every year, and you must renew your licence annually.

Before you apply

If you are applying for a new license, you may require planning permission.

Fees

• £312.05 application fee
• plus veterinary inspection fee (varies by premises)

How to apply

1. Complete the application

Fill in the Riding Establishments application form and return it to Environmental Services with:

• proof of insurance
• copies of relevant qualifications (for example, British Horse Society certificates or equivalent)
• the licence application fee

2. Inspection process

Once we receive your application:

• we will inspect your premises
• we will arrange a veterinary inspection
  • the vet’s fee is paid to us
  • the cost depends on the size of your premises, the number of horses, and the inspection time

A licence will be issued if both reports are satisfactory.

Licence duration

• licences run January to December each year
• if you open mid‑year, you must still pay the full fee for the following January to December period

If anything does not comply with the Act, you will receive a report. We may issue a temporary licence until the issues are resolved. A licence may be refused if there are grass deficiencies.

Application timescale

We must process your application before it can be granted, so tacit consent does not apply.

If you have not heard from us within 28 days, contact Environmental Services for an update.

Objections

Anyone may object to an application by writing to Environmental Services.

Objections to planning permission for new riding establishments should be made through the usual planning process.