Stables which hire out horses for riding or instruction must be licensed under the Riding Establishments Act 1964.
Before a licence is granted or renewed the horses and premises must be inspected by a veterinary surgeon who is qualified to inspect horses. The Local Authority also needs to be confident that the licensee is a competent person to run such an establishment.
Various matters will be taken into account in respect of licence conditions relating to:
- health, feeding and accommodation of the horses
- fire precautions
- accommodation for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery
The following areas have mandatory conditions:
- unfit horses
- supervision
- insurance in respect of personal injuries
- register of horses under three years of age
