Riding establishment licence

You will need a licence if you want to run a riding establishment where horses are:

  • being let out for hire for riding
  • being used in providing instruction in riding in return for payment

Inspection

An inspection will need be carried out by our Animal Control and Enforcement Section and an approved vet once you have applied.

This inspection will look at things like:

  • your suitability to run the establishment
  • the condition of your horses and how you look after their health
  • your horses' accommodation, food, drink, bedding  and pasture
  • your storage facilities
  • the fire precautions you have in place

Register of your horses

You will need to keep a register of horses aged 3 years and under for inspection by an authorised officer at all reasonable times.

Eligibility criteria

You must be over 18 years of age or a corporate body to apply.

You must not have been disqualified from keeping animals or running a similar establishment.

Conditions will be attached to a licence.

Cost of a licence

New application:  £226 (vet's fees are additional to this amount and are payable on application).

Renewal fee (annual): £195 (plus vet's fees).

Application process

Your application will be processed within 14 days following an inspection, if no issues are found. If issues are raised, we will send you a notice of this.

Your application will then be determined by our Licensing Committee - you will be invited to attend.

If you have not heard from us within 14 days of your inspection then please contact us.

Timescales

Your application could take up to 2 months to be administered, including your inspections. Please apply with this in mind.

Appeals

You can appeal to the Magistrates Court against a decision. Please contact us in the first instance.

We are part of the European network for delivering information relating to doing business in the European Economic Area.

For full information on the EU Services Directive and Points of Single Contact for other member states, visit the European Commission website.

Contact the Licensing Team

0114 273 4264
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
Block C
Staniforth Road Depot
Sheffield
S9 3HD

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