Licence summary
A licence is required for keeping an establishment for riding horses, mules or donkeys.
Exclusions:
Persons disqualified following a conviction under the Riding Establishments Act 1964, the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963, the Pet Animals Act 1951, the Protection of Animals Act 1911 or under any of sections 34(2), (3) or (4) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Application process:
All animal licences issued by the local authority are determined by the Animal Welfare Officer based on principals of good animal welfare and veterinary advice. An inspection will be made before any application is granted.
We recommend applicants make contact with the Animal Welfare Officerbefore applying or by visiting their webpage
When determining a licence the local authority will first consider whether the applicant appears to be suitable and qualified, 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.
The main purpose of the licence is to ensure
• that paramount consideration will be given to the condition of horses and that they will be maintained in good health, and in all respects physically fit and that, in the case of a horse kept for the purpose of its being let out on hire for riding or a horse kept for the purpose of its being used in providing instruction in riding, the horse will be suitable for the purpose for which it is kept;
• that the feet of all animals are properly trimmed and that, if shod, their shoes are properly fitted and in good condition;
• that there will be available at all times, accommodation for horses suitable as respects construction, size, number of occupants, lighting, ventilation, drainage and cleanliness and that these requirements be complied with not only in the case of new buildings but also in the case of buildings converted for use as stabling;
• that in the case of horses maintained at grass there will be available for them at all times during which they are so maintained adequate pasture and shelter and water and that supplementary feeds will be provided as and when required;
• that horses will be adequately supplied with suitable food, drink and (except in the case of horses maintained at grass, so long as they are so maintained) bedding material, and will be adequately exercised, groomed and rested and visited at suitable intervals;
• that all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent and control the spread among horses of infectious or contagious diseases and that veterinary first aid equipment and medicines shall be provided and maintained in the premises;
• that appropriate steps will be taken for the protection and extrication of horses in case of fire and, in particular, that the name, address and telephone number of the licence holder or some other responsible person will be kept displayed in a prominent position on the outside of the premises and that instructions as to action to be taken in the event of fire, with particular regard to the extrication of horses, will be kept displayed in a prominent position on the outside of the premises;
• that adequate accommodation will be provided for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery;
Apply online:
Apply online or download, complete the form and post to the address below:
Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances
Regulatory Services (Commercial)
Southampton City Council
Floor 5
One Guildhall Square
Southampton
SO14 7FP
Tel 023 8083 3002
Email: environmental.health@southampton.gov.uk
Will tacit consent apply?
No, an inspection will need to be made before any application is granted in order to safeguard animal welfare and public health and protection.
What if I am refused a licence or disagree with the conditions?
There is a right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court
Southampton City Council
