Horse Riding Establishments

A licence is needed wherever horses or ponies are being "rented out," like at riding schools or trekking centres.

Please contact us if you are trying to find a licensed establishment in Wychavon, or if you are thinking of letting other people use your horses or ponies.

You should not pay for lessons on anyone else's horse, unless they are licensed.  If you do, and you have an accident, they may not be insured.

We try to make sure that horses are well looked after, that the layout of any facilities are suitable and that staff are trained and properly insured.  And we make sure that the operator has thought about dangers to the public using the facilities.

Licences are usually valid for one year, and should be on display.  We can issue provisional licences, for up to six months.

Whenever a licence is applied for, we visit with a veterinary surgeon who checks the suitability of the animals whilst we make sure the risks to the public are minimised.

We also visit during the year, and may return with the vet if we get complaints about the condition or care of the animals.

To download an application form please visit our forms and fact sheets page.

Anyone suffering nuisance due to noise, smells or similar because of a commercial premises should contact the Environmental Protection team to see if we can help (email environmental.health@wychavon.gov.uk, phone 01386 565233).

Grant of a licence doesn't mean that we've given planning permission: consent under town and country planning law may still be required. Please contact our Planning Services on 01386 565565.