Animal Licences

About the Licence

Riding Schools must be licensed by the local Council. The keeping of such premises is defined as the carrying on of a business of keeping horses for either being let out on hire for riding (hacking) or for being used in providing, in return for payment, instruction in riding, or for both purposes.

Applying for a licence

You can apply online. This is a quick and easy way of completing your application and making a payment. The online form is located at the right hand side of this page.

Issuing a licence 

When an application is received by the Council an Equine Veterinary Surgeon and a Council Officer will inspect the premises. A licence will only be issued once certain conditions have been met.  In addition to this, at some point throughout the licence period and on renewal the premises are subject to 'spot check' inspections by a Council Officer and/or an Equine Veterinary Surgeon.

All licence Riding Establishments must comply with Southend Borough Councils standard conditions and may be subject to additional conditions as specified by the Council.

Riding Establishment Licences run from 1st January to the 31st December of the year in which they are issued. The start of the Licence may be deferred to the following 1st January if this is more appropriate.

About the act 

This licence is covered under the Riding Establishments Act 1964 and 1970. You can find out all about the details of the act on the National Archives website