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Riding Establishments
- Animal Licensing Fees (PDF)
- Licensing Privacy Notice (PDF)
Annual licence for stables which hire out horses or ponies for riding or instruction under the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970. In addition a report is also required from a veterinary surgeon or practitioner.
The timescale for determining this application is 56 days from the receipt by this authority of an acceptable and complete application. A vet inspection is required for each horse and is paid by the applicant in addition to the application fee.
Renewal notifications are sent approximately 6 weeks before the licence expires.
From 6 April 2007 the Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into effect. It makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. This includes:
- suitable environment (place to live);
- suitable diet;
- to exhibit normal behaviour patterns;
- to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable);
- to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease;
The law also increases the minimum age to 16 at which a person can buy an animal and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age.
An enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is required is required every year for each employee or volunteer. Please ring the CRB on 0870 9090 844 requesting a disclosure application form, you will need to provide the following information:
- Disclosure type – enhanced
- Registered body number – 20040000008
It is a requirement of the CRB’s Code of Practice that all Registered Bodies must have a written policy on the correct handling and safekeeping of Disclosure information. You can download North Norfolk District Council’s policy statement below:
These can be accessed or downloaded below. If you are unable to access them or require a hard copy please contact licensing@north-norfolk.gov.uk
For a valid application we require ALL the following forms/documentation in order for the application to be processed. Incomplete applications will be returned.
If you wish to apply online please see the External link above
New/Renewal
- Riding Establishment Application Form (PDF)
- Copy of the current Public Liability Insurance Certificate minimum £5 million,
- Animal Licensing Fees (PDF)
Variation - to add/remove or alter the horses on the licence
- Riding Establishment Variation Application Form (PDF)
- Copy of the current Public Liability Insurance Certificate minimum £5 million,
- Animal Licensing Fees (PDF)
Guidance Notes for assistance with applications

- Register with Business Link.
- Apply online:
- The RSCPA’s purpose is to promote kindness and prevent or suppress cruelty to animals. Its work extends to concern for all kinds of animals in all circumstances, including wild, laboratory, companion and farm animals, and those used in entertainment, education and workplace.
- DEFRA’s aim is to secure a healthy environment in which we and future generations can prosper. The domestic animal welfare part of the website promotes protecting domestic or captive animals from cruelty.
- The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is an executive agency of the Home Office. This is a 'one-stop' service that enables organisations to gain access to important criminal and other information for recruitment and licensing purposes.
- The British Horse Society focuses on horse welfare, horse and rider safety, access and rights of way, training (register of instructors) and providing a voluntary system of approving livery yards and riding schools.






