In the UK, all riding centres must be legally approved by their Local Authority, ensuring high standards of animal welfare. Local councils maintain a public register of licensed riding centres in their district. If a premises holds a licence, it should be displayed prominently at the location, making it easy to verify.
A license is required if you are business that hires out horses for riding and/or instruction in riding. So as well as riding schools, this requirement can also extend to trekking centres, pony parties (where ponies are ridden), hunt hirelings. Find out more on the ABRS+ Licensing Guidance
Additionally, many centres listed on the BE website are also approved by one or more of their member bodies, ensuring that they are fully insured, have a trained Safeguarding Officer, have qualified coaches, and have health and safety policies in place. The organisations that approve riding centres in the UK are:
- The Association of British Riding Schools
- The British Horse Society
- The Pony Club
- Riding for the Disabled Association
It’s recommended that anyone looking to book a riding lesson, whether it be for yourself or a child, at an affiliated or unaffiliated riding school, it’s good practice to ask questions around their safeguarding and insurance policies. To give you a better idea of what to expect and what to look out for, check out the British Equestrians advice for parents and carers and Safe to Play website.
Riding centres and licensed establishments can also check their own listing is up to date, and request changes if required.
To check your listing, or find a licensed establishment near you, you can search the “Find a Centre” online tool.
If you run or manage a riding school or licensed establishment, you can also find lots of free resources on the Yard Owner Hub in terms of practical and administrative business management on the dedicated section for Riding Schools.
You can also find details of many ABRS+ and BHS Approved riding establishments and licensed premises on LiveryList: Riding Schools