To run a riding establishment (where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction) in Scotland, you need an annual licence from the local authority.

A licence may be granted to an individual over the age of eighteen years or a body corporate.

"Horse" includes any mare, gelding, pony, foal, colt, filly, or stallion, and also any ass, mule or jennet.

You must not be disqualified from keeping animals, running an animal-related business, transporting animals, or working with animals under relevant animal welfare law.

Read the legal requirements conditions and conditions (below) before you apply. Check that your premises, procedures and record keeping meet the required animal welfare standard.

This licence is issued under:

• Riding Establishments Act 1964
• Riding Establishments Act 1970

• Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS)
• British Dressage
• British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)

To apply, change or renew a riding establishments licence you can complete the form below and send it to Falkirk Council by email:

Before deciding an application, Falkirk Council must consider a report from a veterinary surgeon or practitioner detailing whether the premises are suitable for a riding establishment and detailing the conditions of the premises and any horses.

Falkirk Council 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.

There is no automatic approval. If you have not heard from us after submitting your application, contact us for an update.

Contact us first if you want advice about a refusal or about conditions added to a license.

You may also be able to appeal through the Sheriff Court.