Animal Establishment Licensing

Riding establishments are inspected by a veterinary surgeon and Animal Health and Welfare Inspector.

Before issuing a license the Council will inspect a premise to ensure that:

• Horses must be in good health and capable of the work required of them.
• All riding equipment supplied should be free from visible defect which is likely to cause suffering to the horse or accident to the rider.
• The feet of all horses should be trimmed and if shod, their shoes must be fitted properly and in good condition.
• Any horses found during the inspection to be in need of veterinary attention must not be used for work.
• The horses shall be supplied with suitable grazing, shelter, water and supplementary feeds.
• Stabled horses must be supplied with suitable feed, exercise, water and bedding material and groomed at regular intervals.
• All reasonable steps need to be in place to prevent the spread of infectious and contagious diseases.

For more information:

Horse Riding Conditions

If you have any welfare concerns for animals within a riding establishment or believe a person is trading without a licence please contact us directly