Riding Establishments

A riding establishment licence is required where horses or ponies are hired out for riding or used for riding instruction in Scotland. "Horse" includes any mare, gelding, pony, foal, colt, filly, or stallion, and also any ass, mule or jennet. A licence may be granted to an individual over the age of eighteen years or a corporate body.

Applying for a Riding Establishment Licence

Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with West Lothian Council's Licence Conditions and Guidance on Riding Establishments [313KB] .

Anyone wishing to apply must:

complete a Riding Establishment Licence Application Form [324KB] :
return it via email or to the address on the application form; and
pay the appropriate fee [107KB] online at 'Pay for it' - select 'Trading Standards' then 'Animal Welfare Licence'. Please contact us to obtain your reference number.

Upon application for a licence, the premises must be inspected by a veterinary surgeon (at the expense of the applicant) and a local authority officer. West Lothian Council must consider a report from the veterinary surgeon detailing whether the premises are suitable for a riding establishment and detailing the conditions of the premises and any horses wishing to be licensed for use. West Lothian Council will also take into account whether the applicant is suitable and qualified to hold a licence.

Once the inspection has taken place a separate invoice will be issued to cover the veterinarian's costs. On receipt of this being paid and the licence conditions being met your new licence will be sent out.

Once issued, licenses will run for a year from the date of issue.

Licence renewal applications should be submitted as soon as possible after receiving a renewal reminder.