Apply for a licence - Riding establishment

According to the law, riding establishment licenses can only run for a calendar year. If you apply to start operating before the end of the current year your licence will expire on 31 December this year and you will not be eligible for any refund on your application fee. The fees cover administration costs which are the same regardless of how long the licence runs for.  Renewal reminders are sent out around October. 

To apply, you will need:

You will need:

• Credit or debit card
• Conditions
• Insurance polic

Fees

Apply for a licence

Licences to keep a riding establishment are issued under the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970. To run a riding establishment (where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction), you need a licence from the us.

Inspection form for vets

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and not been disqualified:

• From running a riding establishment
• From running 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
• Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 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

We will check with the police and fire and rescue service before determining your application and carry out an inspection of the premises. We also consider a report from our appointed veterinary surgeon or practitioner detailing if the premises are suitable for a riding establishment and detailing the conditions of the premises and any horses.

If you are not granted a licence, we can give you a statement of the reasons for our decision. You have a right of appeal to the Sheriff Court.

• Phone: 01349 886609
• Online enquiry form