Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Riding establishment licences

Licences are needed to operate a riding establishment. A riding establishment is defined as “the carrying on of a business of keeping horses to let them out for hire for riding or riding instruction”.

The riding establishment legislation is designed to control animal welfare but not rider welfare. However, Health and Safety legislation will also usually apply as most riding establishments are workplaces. For more information see our Health and safety pages.

Any premises or land used to keep horses or ponies which are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction for payment, will require a licence.

Licenses are renewable annually. An application for a new licence or renewal will be followed by an inspection by the Council’s veterinary surgeon who will examine each horse, tack, stabling etc.

A fee is payable for a licence which covers the cost of the veterinary inspector’s visit and administration fee.  An invoice will be sent following the vet’s inspection.

To apply for a licence, you need to complete the application form on the right and send it, together with a copy of your current insurance policy certificate, to the Licensing Unit - see the contact details on the right.