Services
Riding Establishment Licence
Who should apply?
A riding establishment licence is required (where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction) in Scotland. "Horse includes any mare, gelding, pony, foal, colt, filly, or stallion, and also any mule or jennet. A licence may be granted to an individual over the age of eighteen years or a corporate body.
A licence may not be issued if the applicant is disqualified under any of the following acts:
- Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) Act 1933
- Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934
- Pet Animals Act 1951
- Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
- The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
- The Animal Health Act 1981
- Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
What are the requirements for a licence?
Consideration will be given to the condition of the horses, that they are 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.
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.
What is the application process?
Anyone wishing to apply must first complete a Riding Establishment Licence application form and return it with the appropriate fee to the address below.
Upon application for a licence, the premises must be inspected by a veterinary surgeon and a local authority officer.
Before deciding on granting a licence West Lothian Council must consider a report from the veterinary surgeon detailing whether the premises are suitable for a riding establishment and detailing the conditions of the premises and any horses. West Lothian Council will also take into account whether the applicant is suitable and qualified to hold a licence.
A separate invoice will be issued to cover the vet's costs, once the inspection has taken place. On receipt of this being paid, and licence conditions being met, your new licence will be sent out.
Once issued, licences will run until the 31st December of that year. Licences run from 1st January - 31st December of any one year.
Environmental Health and Trading Standards,
West Lothian Council,
County Buildings,
High Street,
Linlithgow,
West Lothian,
EH49 7EZ
environmentalhealth@westlothian.gov.uk
Updated: 27/09/2011
