Riding Establishment Licence and Advice

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Find out about and apply for a Riding Establishment Licence.
How do I apply?

• Apply for a licence to operate a riding establishment Opens in a new window
• Tell us about a change to your existing riding establishment licence Opens in a new window

What does it cost?
The Riding Establishment Licence fee

Are there inspections/assessments?
An inspection of the premises will be carried out by an approved veterinary surgeon prior to the licence being issued. Further inspections may be carried out during the year to ensure compliance with the licence.

What happens next?
Before deciding an application we 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.

We will also take into account whether the applicant is suitable and qualified to hold a licence. We must also be satisfied of the following:

• 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

Please note:

Planning permission may be required. You are advised to contact Surrey Heath Borough Council, Planning Services, Tel: 01276 707222 to discuss the matter further.

What happens next?
Should I expect an acknowledgement, and if so, how soon?

We aim to acknowledge your application within 3 working days.

How long does it take to make a decision and issue the licence?

There is no statutory period for determining applications, however we aim to determine applications within 28 days.

If I don't hear from you for 4 weeks, can I assume it's been granted ("tacit consent")?

No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted.

If I'm turned down, how do I appeal?
Firstly, please contact us to see if we can resolve the issue.

An applicant whose application is refused can appeal to the local magistrates' court.

A licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition can appeal to a local magistrates' court.

How long does the licence last, and what's the renewal procedure?
Licences need to be renewed annually. A 3 month provisional licence may be issued to enable compliance.

How do I tell you about changes of circumstance?
If you wish to make changes to your riding establishment, please contact us in the first instance.

Consumer Complaint
If you have a complaint against a trader, we would advise you first to contact the trader - preferably by letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are in the UK, Consumer Direct Opens in a new window will give you advice. If you outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre Opens in a new window

If you have concerns about a riding establishment, please contact Surrey Heath Borough Council, Environmental Health Services, Tel: 01276 707222