Not everyone can just hop onto a horse and giddy-up into the sunset; most horse riders will have had to get trained at a horse-riding establishment first. To operate a horse-riding establishment business, however, you will need a licence.
Unlimited exam retakes till you Pass
Get your exam results the same day
Full refund if you don't pass. Terms apply
95% pass rate
Unlimited exam retakes till you Pass
Get your exam results the same day
Full refund if you don't pass. Terms apply
95% pass rate
A horse-riding establishment is where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction.
Novices who have never got atop of a horse before can turn from novices to equestrian riders with training from seasoned riders at a horse-riding establishment. It is also a place where riders can simply hire out a horse for the day and enjoy a day of trotting in the wilderness.
If you want to run a horse-riding establishment as an operating business in England, Scotland or Wales, you will need a horse-riding establishment licence.
This includes riding schools and those that hire out horses, trekking, loan horses and pony parties (but only where ponies are ridden).
The requirements of the horse-riding establishment licence fall under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
Horse-riding establishment licence applications must be made via your local council. You can find the contact details for your local council at the Official UK Government Website.
No. If you choose to open up a horse-riding business without applying and holding a horse-riding establishment licence you may be fined up to £1,000 or imprisoned for up to 3 months, or both.
Maybe. There are restrictions that may prevent you applying for a horse-riding establishment licence, this includes being banned previously from running a riding establishment, running a pet shop and keeping animals, including in a boarding kennel or cattery. If you are in doubt about any previous convictions you should check with your local council first.
Yes. A horse-riding establishment licence needs to be renewed every year. The fee and specific conditions will be set by your local council,
Yes, as part of the conditions of your horse-riding establishment licence your local council may inspect your premises and horses at any given time. You may also be asked to keep a register of horses aged 3 years or under that are usually kept on your premises, and make it available for inspection when required.
Can't pay at once? Choose one of our interest-free instalment options at checkout.
Check out with Klarna
Select Klarna at checkout
Choose your payment option
Choose to pay after 30 days or in 3 monthly instalments
Make the first payment
Receive an approval decision and pay accordingly
Check out with Paypal
Proceed to checkout and choose to pay with PayPal pay in 3
Choose “Pay in 3”
Select PayPal pay in 3 as your payment method. Your eligibility will be determined by PayPal.
Learn more
Make the first payment
Pay the first instalment right away. Remaining two will be collected on the same day every month.
You will be contacted within 24hrs
Quotation is sent over email
Enter your details below to instantly download the career guide PDF
We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies.
For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.