'Hiring out horses' licensing

[gingergreg]

All a little hypothetical right now but definitely something I'm hoping to get started with this year. I'm an RN who has recently decided to apply to start an MSc/MA in Psychotherapy. I'm really interested in how horses can assist in a therapeutic way, having already seen such a huge benefit to my own mental health following a few changes and more meaningful time spent with my own lot. All pretty much by the by but a bit of background!

Whilst I wouldn't be offering any tuition, I would like people to be able to have a ride of the horses (literally just a walk around on lead rein) if appropriate and as such I will need to be licensed. I've read through the relevant info on my local council's website and their guidance document but a lot of it doesn't seem applicable to myself and this type of setup. I have emailed them with a few questions but haven't had a reply back yet.

I'm wondering if anyone could shed light on what happens once the application has been submitted and during the vet check? Mine live out 24/7 but could get a shelter and hardstanding area set up. All feels a little overwhelming right now but I'm really excited about the idea so need to power through and see how viable it actually is

 

[chaps89]

Maybe @AdorableAlice can help as I think she’s involved in licensing so may well know

 

[teapot]

One assumes your services won't be provided free of charge, so yup you'll need one. You'll need everything listed in the licensing guidelines, including the paperwork requirement, and your references/proof of experience and qualifications, and everything will checked before it's awarded. The council will also do a visit, and each individual horse that you hope to use will be checked over by a council vet (some more thorough than others in my experience) as will your tack etc - basic eyes, heart and trot up usually. Any new horse you'd hope to use has to be inspected by a vet before you can use it for services (your own vet can do that one and you just pop their paperwork to your council and pay the fee @AdorableAlice knows a lot about this side of things.

Unfortunately it's a one size fits all guidance designed and written by Defra so yes it may appear a lot won't be applicable for what you're hoping to do. However because it's aimed at pony rides through to 100 horse training centres/colleges, sadly everyone has to jump through the same hoops. FWIW it's the same level of paperwork whether you have one horse or 50 (I've done the 50 horse yard licence inspections, they've fun shall we say) so it may be more hassle than it is worth. If you're interested on the riding side, have you thought about getting involved with RDA somehow?

 

[Kaylum]

You will need welfare facilities. So consider that as well. Including first aiders onsite (see your nurse but you will probably need a first aid cert) and toilets.

I would make sure each horse has a full uptodate health record. So start making records now. Recording temperatures is quite important. This is a good starting point before any licensing application.

 

[Starzaan]

I used to manage a therapeutic riding centre, so am very happy to discuss this with you if you'd like. Happy to have a call or emails or whatever works best for you.
You will need a riding school licence from the local council. Adorable Alice is the best person to speak to about this, but I have got yards and horses ready for licence inspections more times than I can count, so am happy to help here too.
Happy to chat about whatever you need