You need this licence if you wish to run a riding establishment where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction.

To be eligible for this licence you must be over 18 and considered suitable and qualified to hold this licence. You must not have been disqualified under specified animal welfare laws.

How to apply

Complete and return a Riding Establishment Application Form.

After applying

We may arrange inspect your proposed premises to make sure they meet required standards. A veterinary surgeon or practitioner will produce a report on: the suitability and conditions of your premises, and any horses you keep. This is considered before we decide on your application.

Applications advertised on this website allow members of the public to make objections.

It may take six weeks to process your application. If you haven't heard from the Licensing Office within a reasonable period, contact us.

Licence length

If granted, this licence lasts one year from the date of issue and can be renewed.

Licence conditions

The licence will have the council's Standard Conditions. In some cases, the council may apply special conditions relevant to your circumstances.

Any conditions which apply to you will be set out in the licence document you will be given. If these are broken, then the licence holder can be charged by Police Scotland.

To grant this licence we must be satisfied that:

the horses are in good condition, and they will be maintained in good health, kept physically fit. Where the horses are to be ridden or used during riding instruction, that they are suitable
the animal’s feet will be trimmed, and shoes fitted properly and are in good condition
there is suitable accommodation for the horses
for horses maintained on grass, suitable pasture, shelter and water and supplementary feed will be provided as and when needed
horses will be provided with suitable food, drink and bedding materials. They will be exercised, groomed, rested and visited at suitable intervals
precautions will be taken to reduce the spread of contagious or infectious diseases. Veterinary first aid equipment and medicines will be provided and maintained
appropriate procedures are in place to protect and remove the horses in the case of a fire. As part of this fire instructions and name, address and telephone number of the licence holder are displayed outside the premises
storage facilities for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery are provided

The licence is also subject to the following conditions:

any horse inspected by an authorised officer and found to need veterinary attention will not be returned to work until a veterinary certificate confirms the horse is fit for work
no horse will be let out for hire or for use in instruction without the supervision of a responsible person aged 16 years or older. This is unless the licence holder is satisfied the rider doesn't need supervision
the business won't be left in the charge of someone under 16 years of age
the licence holder has indemnity insurance
the licence holder keeps a register of all horses in their possession that are three years old or younger. The register must be available for inspection at all reasonable times

Cookies on North-Ayrshire.gov.uk

Animal licences

Pet shop licence

Riding establishment licence

Zoo licence

Fees

Animal welfare fees

Other animal licence fees

Contact