Riding Establishments
Under the Riding Establishment Act 1964 and 1970 the Council grants licences for the provision of Riding Establishments within the Borough of Vale Royal.
Riding Establishment is defined as premises used for the stabling of horses and hire out of horses as ponies for riding or institution must be licensed by the Council.
A horse is defined as including "any mare, gelding, pony, foal, colt, filly or stallion and also any ass, mule or jennet."
How do I make an application for a Riding Establishment Licence?
An application form is required to be completed and submitted to the Environmental Services (for the attention of the Licensing Section), together with an application fee of £193. (Licences can only be issued to persons who are 18 or over).
An additional inspection fee will be charged by the appointed Veterinary Surgeon (see below).
Please note: New applications may also require planning permission and/or Building Control approval. If in doubt you should seek advice from your Local Planning Authority.
What do I get for the fee?
The fee includes a site visit by an officer from the Council and follow up inspection if necessary. All cheques should be made payable to Vale Royal Borough Council.
You will also be visited by an appointed Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon and British Veterinary Association Inspector. The Council will have a list of all such inspectors and it is for the applicant to arrange a mutually convenient time and date for the visit. The applicant will negotiate payment directly with the inspector.
What qualifications do I need?
An Inspector is required to consider the suitability of the applicant as to his experience in the management and care of horses, and his ability to supervise establishments either by experience in the management of horses, or by being the holder of an approved certificate or by employing in the management of the riding establishment a person so qualified, to be the holder of such a licence (1970 Act S.2 (ii)(4)(a))
Both the British Horse Society (BHS) and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) grant recognised qualifications to suitable candidates.
If a new applicant has no recognised qualifications and is relying on practical experience the local authority should obtain references to support the application and the Inspector should assess them.
If the management of a riding establishment is to be entrusted to another person by the applicant, the suitability and experience of the manager must also be considered and reported upon.
You must be able to display a knowledge of Health and Safety legislation.
How long will the application take?
Following a thorough investigation a report will be prepared for the consideration of the Director of Social and Community Services Directorate.
The normal period is approximately two months, provided all the relevant information has been furnished. Should you require Planning and/or Building Control approval the determination period will be approximately four to six months.
How long does the licence last?
Unless revoked the licence remains in force for 12 months from date of issue.
Application forms and guidelines
- Application forms are available online or can be obtained from the Environmental Services at the address below.
- Conditions are available online.
Contact us
For further information, please contact Andy Challinor at
Vale Royal Borough Council
Environmental Services
Social and Community Services Directorate
Wyvern House
The Drumber
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 1AH
Telephone: 01606 867850
E-mail: achallinor@valeroyal.gov.uk
Last modified: 14 November 2008
