Riding establishment

Hiring out horses

The definition of Hiring out Horses is stated within Schedule 1 of the regulations and is: hiring out horses in the course of a business for either or both of the following purposes : (a) riding; (b) instruction in riding. An example of hiring out horses which fits the criteria is:

• Businesses which hire out horses for riding or for riding lessons. This includes riding schools and those that hire out horses, trekking, loan horses, pony parties (but only where the ponies are ridden), hunter hirelings, polo/polocrosse instruction and pony hire, pony and donkey rides.

Examples of hiring out horses which do not fit the criteria are:

• Businesses that run pony parties where none of the ponies are ever ridden - these should be licensed as animal exhibits under Schedule 7 of the regulations.
• Activities that are carried out solely for military or police purposes (e.g. riding stables that are used exclusively for these purposes).
• Riding stables that are used exclusively for instructing veterinary students at university for the purpose of their course.
• Individuals who occasionally lend a horse, even if a small fee is charged, where there is no profit made and no intent to make a profit.

These lists are not exhaustive and applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

If you are hiring out horses and fit these criteria you require a licence. You can view the guidance and apply for a licence below.

Hiring of horses application form can be found here Hiring out of horses application 25-26 (PDF, 482 KB).

For further information please contact Environmental Health on 01744676789 or email Environmental Health