Hiring out horses
You need an animal welfare licence if you hire out horses as a business for:
- riding
- riding lessons
Exceptions are:
- any activity carried out solely for the military or police
- students who are studying for a veterinary degree
You’ll need an annual inspection from a vet registered by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), regardless of how long the licence lasts.
Licence fees
| Licence type | Small stables | Medium stables | Large stables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 horses | 11 to 50 horses | 51+ horses | |
| New | £872.49 | £1058.69 | £1555.09 |
| Renewal | £718.58 | £904.78 | £1401.18 |
| Vet fees | £18.62 per horse | £12.41 per horse, over 1 | £9.93 per horse, over 50 |
| Variation (admin) | £76.97 | £76.97 | £76.97 |
| Variation (site visit) | £397.76 | £397.76 | £397.76 |