Riding Establishment Licence
Who should apply for a Riding Establishment Licence?
Any person running a horse riding school or who hires horses, ponies or donkeys for rides in Poole must be licensed by us.
- Premises and stables will be inspected by a licensing officer to ensure the accommodation is suitable.
- Horses are subject to inspection by a veterinary surgeon to ensure the welfare of the animals.
- Licences to keep a riding establishment are issued under the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970.
- Licences are renewable annually.
Licence Conditions
The following conditions are required by the Act, whether specified in the licence or not:
- The term 'horse' includes any mare, gelding, pony, foal, colt, filly or stallion and also any ass, mule or jennet
- 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 their own expense and has lodged with us a veterinary certificate that the horse is fit for work;
- 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;
- 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;
- the licence holder shall hold a current insurance policy which insures them against liability for any injury sustained by those who hire a horse from them for riding and those who use a horse in the course of receiving from them, 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;
- a register shall be kept by the licence holder of all horses in their 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.
How do I apply?
There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made. You can also email us for further information.
Further Information
Guidance on conditions for riding establishment licences is issued by the British Veterinary Association. 
Copies of the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970 can be purchased from the Office of Public Sector Information.
This information is only a brief guide, for further information please email us.
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