Riding Establishments
The Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970 require a licence
issued by the Local Authority for the operation of an establishment
where horses are kept for hire. The Acts apply to riding schools,
equestrian centres and trekking centres, but does not, at present,
apply to livery stables.
'Horse' includes any mare, gelding, pony, foal, colt, filly
or stallion and also any ass, mule or jennet.
Licences
A licence is granted annually by application made by an individual over the age
of 18 years old. The fee, determined by
the local authority must accompany the application.
Provisional Licences
The 1970 Act allows a local authority to give a provisional
licence where considerable improvements to the premises are
required before a full licence can be awarded. A second provisional
licence can be given for a further three months but no more than 2
may be granted in any 12 months.
On the death of a licence holder the licence passes to his
personal representative for a period of 3 months and then
expires.
Veterinary Examination
The Council will arrange for an inspection report to by carried
out by a specialist veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner.
The cost of the inspection will be borne by the applicant
and must be paid before the licence is issued.
Planning Permission
New applicants should also consider whether they need planning
permission for example to change the use of the premises to a
riding centre or to erect any new stables or buildings on the site
being used for the business. All enquiries should be made to the
Council’s Planning
Department
Insurance
Public liability insurance will be required. Visiting owners may
be required to insure their own horse, tack and transport. Where an
establishment is offering lessons on clients own horses it is
advisable that they are insured to do so, either with their own
insurers or through the British Horses Society's Register of
Instructors.
Health & Safety
Relevant regulations to any equestrian enterprise include the
Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) (1995), as
well as regulations regarding workplace health, safety and welfare.
A fire certificate may also be required.
Useful links
Contact the Licensing Section
E-mail: licensing@dover.gov.uk
Telephone: 01304 872295
