Hiring out of horses

To run a business hiring out horses for riding or for instruction in riding in Cheshire East you will need a licence from the council.

This includes:

• Riding schools
• Hiring out horses – trekking, loan horses, pony parties (where the ponies are ridden), hunter hirelings, polo/polocrosse instruction, pony hire, pony and donkey rides

Please refer to the guidance notes (PDF, 466KB) to see whether you require a licence.

How to apply

You can download the applicant profile, application form and the declaration form to apply for a licence for the hiring out of horses: 

• application process (PDF, 157KB)
• standard applicant profile (PDF, 140KB)
• application for a licence to operate a riding establishment (PDF, 248KB)
• declaration form (PDF, 56KB)

Return completed forms to:

Animal Health and Welfare Team
Regulatory Services and Health
Municipal Buildings
Crewe
CW1 2BJ

Or email environmentalprotection@cheshireeast.gov.uk (you will need to make a payment via the call centre if you apply by email).

Fees

A fee is payable upon application. View details of fees for hiring of horses licence.

Right of appeal

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence, alteration of a licence or the risk/star rating given may appeal against the decision.

Other useful organisations

• Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS)
• British Equestrian Federation (BEF)
• British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
• British Horse Society (BHS)
• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)