Skip to main content
Luton Borough Council

Riding establishment licence

The welfare of all domestic and captive animals in this country is provided for in various statutes we are responsible for the administration and issuing of a number of licenses relating to animals


Hiring out horses

The definition of Hiring out Horses is stated within Schedule 1 of the regulations and is: hiring out horses in the course of a business for either or both of the following purposes : (a) riding; (b) instruction in riding. An example of hiring out horses which fits the criteria is:

  • Businesses which hire out horses for riding or for riding lessons. This includes riding schools and those that hire out horses, trekking, loan horses, pony parties (but only where the ponies are ridden), hunter hirelings, polo/polocrosse instruction and pony hire, pony and donkey rides.

Examples of hiring out horses which do not fit the criteria are:

  • Businesses that run pony parties where none of the ponies are ever ridden – these should be licensed as animal exhibits under Schedule 7 of the regulations.
  • Activities that are carried out solely for military or police purposes (e.g. riding stables that are used exclusively for these purposes).
  • Riding stables that are used exclusively for instructing veterinary students at university for the purpose of their course.
  • Individuals who occasionally lend a horse, even if a small fee is charged, where there is no profit made and no intent to make a profit.

These lists are not exhaustive and applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

If you are hiring out horses and fit these criteria you require a licence. You can view the guidance and apply for a licence below.

 

Contact info
Licensing Service
Luton Borough Council Town Hall George Street Luton LU1 2BQ
Tel: 01582 546040

[email protected]

 

© 2024 Luton Council, Town Hall, Luton LU1 2BQ