Hiring out horses
Last updated 24 August 2022
1. The licence
You must have a licence if you run a business that hires out horses for riding or riding lessons.
This includes:
- hiring out horses
- trekking
- loan horses
- pony parties (only where the ponies are ridden)
- hunter hirelings
- polo/polocrosse instruction and pony hire
- pony and donkey rides
If you hire out horses which are not ridden, you may need an animal exhibition licence.
Before making an application you should read through the DEFRA guidance notes below. It provides general and specific licence conditions that are attached to the licence and information on how to meet each required standard.
How to apply
To apply for a licence you must read the Conditions for hiring our horses (PDF116Kb) before you download and complete the form below:
PDF, 138 KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
There is an application fee which you must be pay when you make your application. You can find full details on our fees page.
How to pay
You can send a cheque for the cost of the licence enclosed with your application form to:
Licensing Team
Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Fred Perry House
Edward Street
Stockport
SK1 3XE
Or you can email your application to licensing@stockport.gov.uk.
If you have an invoice you can call 0161 474 4181 and ask for business support.
The inspection
Before we grant a licence, we’ll carry out an inspection at your premises to make sure you meet the current requirements. Officers may be accompanied by a vet. Where the inspection does not meet the current requirements, you’ll be issued with a compliance notice and a revisit will be carried out. Where the visit does meet the requirements, we’ll determine the application and usually issue a licence with a star rating of up to 5 stars and 3 years in length.