Riding establishments

The definition of a riding establishment is " the carrying on of a business of keeping horses for either riding or hire, or for the purpose of instruction for the return of payment".

Please contact the Environmental Health Department on 01273 484358 or e-mail ehealth@lewes.gov.uk for an application form and relevant advice from a Licensing Officer. 

The form should be completed and returned together with copies of any qualification certificates held, a valid insurance certificate covering public liability and a cheque for £52 to cover the cost of the licence fee.  Original copies of certificates sent to this office will be photocopied and posted back to the applicant.

On receipt a general acknowledgement letter will be sent together with a receipt for the fee.

We will consult with the Fire Safety Officer, whose recommendations must be completed prior to issue of the licence. A veterinary surgeon and an Environmental Health Officer will make a joint inspection of the premises and animals.  The inspection will take into account the general health and safety provisions applied within the premises, any accident books kept, the storage of veterinary medicines, fire equipment, risk assessment and pest control measures taken.

Providing the inspection confirms the premises meet all specified conditions, a licence will be granted and issued, together with a copy of the specified conditions and an invoice for the veterinary costs. The conditions must be adhered to at all times and the licence should be on visible display.

Licences are renewable annually on 1st April.  To assist current licence holders a reminder letter and renewal form will be sent prior to that date.