Apply for a hiring of horses licence

Vet fees are payable by the applicant and recharged post inspection to the applicant by the council. A licence will not be granted until fees are paid in full. If no licence is granted only the licence fee will be refunded.

Where two activities are undertaken, fees payable will be the highest total fee plus 50% of any subsequent activity. This does not apply where the activity is a zoo or dangerous wild animal application.

Conditions

We will inspect your premises before giving you a licence. We may carry out additional inspections any time after it’s granted.

You must prove that you can meet the licence conditions. These include:

• providing suitable stabling, food, and exercise
• monitoring horses for signs of distress or illness
• keeping detailed records of horse identity, microchip numbers, and vet checks
• ensuring staff are competent and trained
• maintaining emergency plans and insurance

You’ll also need to:

• display the licence number in any advertising
• display the licence clearly on the premises and on any website used for your business

Star Rating System

The star rating shows how well a business meets animal welfare standards and how reliably it’s run. A higher rating (up to 5 stars) means better welfare and lower risk, and it allows for a longer licence period.

After inspection, your business will be awarded a star rating from 1 to 5, based on:

• welfare standards (minimum or higher)
• risk assessment (low or high risk)

Higher ratings (4 or 5 stars) mean:

• you meet all required and at least 50% of optional higher standards
• you qualify for a longer licence (up to 3 years)
• you may benefit from fewer inspections 

Lower ratings (1 or 2 stars) may result from minor failings or being a new applicant with no compliance history.

Appealing your rating

If you're unhappy with your rating, you can appeal. Start by contacting the inspecting officer to see if the matter can be resolved informally. If you're still unhappy with the outcome, you can send a formal appeal by email to Environmental Health. You must do this within 21 days of getting your licence. Your appeal will be looked at by someone who wasn’t involved in your original inspection or rating.

Requesting a re-assessment

If you've made improvements and want a new rating, you can ask for a re-inspection. Just email Environmental Health and include:

• what changes you’ve made
• any evidence to support your request

There’s a fee for this service, and the re-inspection should happen within 3 months. Keep in mind that your new rating could be higher or lower.

Before you start your application

You should read the:

• full information on the law surrounding Animal Activity Licenses
• animal activities licensing statutory guidance on GOV.UK

Begin your application

You will need the following to complete this application:

• a plan of the premises
• a copy of your insurance policy
• operating procedures
• risk assessments
• infection control procedures
• relevant qualifications
• training records
• all documents relating to 9.1 of the conditions
• emergencies as per 10.1 of the conditions

You will need to register for an account on our licencing website before you can apply.

Register now

If you already have an account, you can login and apply.

Login and apply now

After you've applied

Once you have submitted your application:

1. we will review your documents
2. we will contact you to discuss your application and arrange an inspection
3. if your application is approved, your licence and star rating will be issued and a paper copy will be sent to you
4. your licence must be displayed publicly and on any website used for your business 

• GOV.UK Hiring Out Horses Licence Guide
• DEFRA Guidance PDF