Licence summary
To keep a riding establishment (where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction) in the borough of Basingstoke and Deane, you need a licence from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be over 18 years of age. In England and Wales they must have not been disqualified:
- from keeping a riding establishment
- from keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951
- from having custody of animals under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
- from keeping boarding establishments for animals under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
- under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from keeping or owning animals, being able to influence how animals are kept, dealing animals or transporting or being involved in the transporting of animals
- from owning, keeping dealing or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
Regulation Summary
Riding Establishment Act 1964
Riding Establishment Act 1970
Application Evaluation Process
A fee of £165 is payable for applications where there are less than 20 horses/ponies. A fee of £224.50 is payable where there are 20 or more horses/ponies at the establishment. A specialist council appointed Vet inspection is required at the first licence and annually thereafter. The fee for the veterinary inspection report will be billed separately to the proposed licensee as the amounts will vary depending on the size and scope of the establishment. Riding Establishment Licence Conditions
Before deciding an application the Licensing Team must consider a report from a specialized council appointed veterinary surgeon or practitioner detailing whether the premises are suitable for a riding establishment and detailing the conditions of the premises and any horses.
The licensing team will also take into account whether the applicant is suitable and qualified to hold a licence. They must also be satisfied of the following:
- that consideration will be given to the condition of the horses and that they will be maintained in good health, kept physically fit and where the horse is to be ridden or used during riding instruction, be suitable for that purpose
- that the animals feet will be trimmed properly and that shoes are fitted properly and are in good condition
- that there will be suitable accommodation for the horses
- that for horses maintained on grass there is suitable pasture, shelter and water and that supplementary feed will be provided as and when needed
- that horses will be provided with suitable food, drink and bedding materials and will be exercised, groomed, rested and visited at suitable intervals
- that precautions will be taken to reduce the spread of contagious or infectious diseases and that veterinary first aid equipment and medicines will be provided and maintained
- that appropriate procedures are in place to protect and remove the horses in the case of a fire and that as part of this the name, address and telephone number of the licence holder is displayed outside the premises and fire instructions are displayed
- that storage facilities for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery are provided
In addition to any other conditions a riding establishment licence must be subject to the following conditions:
- that any horse inspected by an authorised officer and found to need veterinary attention will not be returned to work until the licence holder has obtained a veterinary certificate confirming the horse is fit for work
- that a horse will not be let out for hire or for use in instruction without the supervision of a responsible person aged 16 years or older, unless the licence holder is satisfied the rider doesn't require supervision
- that the business will not be left in the charge of someone under 16 years of age
- that the licence holder holds indemnity insurance
- that the licence holder keeps a register of all horses in their possession that are three years old or younger and that the register is available for inspection at all reasonable times
Renewal Applications
Licence holders will receive a reminder letter when their licence is due for renewal. On receipt of your application you will be contacted by the Licensing Team to arrange an inspection of your premises. Following the inspection the licence will be renewed subject to any additional conditions or officer recommendations .
When should I expect a decision?
Tacit consent does not apply to this application as it is in the public interest that the Licensing Team must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the licensing team within 90 days please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply Online
Apply for a licence to operate a riding establishment
Tell us about a change to your existing riding establishment licence
Application forms can also be downloaded at the below link and sent by post to the licensing team.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in the first instance.
Any person aggrieved by the decision to refuse a licence may appeal in writing within 21 days to the councils Licensing Committee. Alternatively you may appeal within 21 days to the Magistrates Court
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in the first instance.
Any licence holder aggrieved by a condition attached to a licence may appeal in writing within 21 days to the councils Licensing Committee. Alternatively you may appeal within 21 days to the Magistrates Court.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
If you are not happy about other issues such as nuisance (for example noise, dust and drainage), please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Trade Associations
Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS)
British Horse Society (BHS)
British Dressage
British Equestrian Federation (BEF)
British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
Applications or general enquiries should be addressed to the Licensing Team at the below address.
Licensing Team
Civic Offices
London Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 4AH
01256 844844
licensing@basingstoke.gov.uk
