License - riding establishment

Description

The Council is responsible for issuing licenses to Riding Establishments.

Eligibility

A Riding Establishment is "the carrying on of a business of keeping horses to let them out for hire for riding or riding instruction".

Procedure

Licenses are renewable annually.

Applicants should contact the Council using the details provided.

The Council will arrange for the inspection of horses and premises by a veterinary surgeon to ensure the welfare of the animals and that the accommodation is suitable. The licence will be issued subject to compliance with licence conditions and payment of the licence fee.

In addition the following conditions are required by the Act, whether specified in the licence or not:

1. A horse found on inspection of the premises by an authorised officer to be in need of veterinary attention shall not be returned to work until the holder of the licence has obtained at his own expense and has lodged with the local authority a veterinary certificate that the horse is fit for work
2. No horse will be let out on hire for riding or used for providing instruction in riding without supervision by a responsible person of the age of 16 years or over unless (in the case of a horse let out for hire for riding) the holder of the licence is satisfied that the hirer of the horse is competent to ride without supervision
3. The carrying on of the business of a riding establishment shall at no time be left in the charge of any person under 16 years of age
4. The licence holder shall hold a current insurance policy which insures him against liability for any injury sustained by those who hire a horse from him for riding and those who use a horse in the course of receiving from him, in return for payment, instruction in riding and arising out of the hire or use of a horse as aforesaid and which also insures such persons in respect of any liability which may be incurred by them in respect of injury to any person caused by, or arising out of, the hire or use of a horse as aforesaid
5. A register shall be kept by the licence holder of all horses in his possession aged three years and under and usually kept on the premises, which shall be available for inspection by an authorised officer at all reasonable times (Sec 1(4a))

Guidance on conditions for riding establishment licences is issued by the British Veterinary Association.

Helplines

Regulatory Services, Animal Health : 01226 773860/ 772532

Charges/Fees

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made. Currently the fee is ã95.00 + vet inspection fee

Method of Payments Available

Cash or cheque

Opening Times/Locations

Opening times and location map, click link for further information.

How the customer can help

Please complete all relevant sections of the application form clearly, accurately and legibly. Please return the form in plenty of time for a new licence to be granted or an old licence renewed.

Application form references

Application form for operating a riding establishment

Distribution Points

Application forms are available from our offices (see Opening Times/Locations)

Legislation

The Riding Establishments Act 1964

The Riding Establishments Act 1970

Response Times/Next Steps

We aim to provide an initial response within 5 days of receipt of an application form

Owner Officer Contact Details

Animal Health Officer
3rd Floor,
Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

Telephone Number:- 01226 772532/ 773860

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is a riding establishment and do I need a licence?

A A riding establishment is:-

A business which keeps horses to let out on hire for riding OR
The horses are used for teaching people to ride (for payment) OR
A combination of both of the above

A horse in terms of the Riding Establishment Act 1970 means any of the following:-

• Mare
• Gelding
• Pony
• Foal
• Colt
• Filly
• Stallion
• Ass*
• Mule*
• Jennet*

* This means beach donkeys require a licence to operate

So if you run a business which does any of the above you will need to apply for a riding Establishment Licence. This is required by law under the Riding Establishments Act 1964 and the Riding Establishment Act 1970

Q What do I do now?

A If you think you need a licence or are thinking of setting up a Riding Establishment, please contact the Council using the contact details provided