UK Act of Parliament 1964 United Kingdom

Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970

What this means for your business

4 obligations
4 penalties
3 can imprison
1 guides
Enforced by
The Crown Estate, Crown Estate Scotland, APHA, Forestry Commission, Natural England
Applies to
United Kingdom
On this page
4 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
Read full text on legislation.gov.uk

What you must do

4 compliance obligations under this legislation — 3 can result in imprisonment.

Offences and prohibitions 4

Fail to comply with Riding Establishments Act provisions

3 months imprisonment

If you breach any provision of the Riding Establishments Acts (for example, operating without a licence or not meeting required standards), you commit a criminal offence. On summary conviction you can be fined up to £500 ( £25 for most breaches) and/or sentenced to up to three months in prison. The court may also cancel your licence and disqualify you from running a riding establishment.

Any Person s.4 Environment Agency

Obstruct or delay authorised riding‑establishment inspector

Fine up to £500

If you deliberately block or delay an inspector (e.g., a local authority officer, veterinary surgeon or other authorised person) who is empowered to enter and inspect your riding establishment, you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, depending on the penalties set out elsewhere in the Act.

Any Person s.2 Environment Agency

Operate riding establishment in breach of statutory duties

3 months imprisonment

If you run a riding establishment and you let out or hire a horse that is in a condition likely to cause it suffering, let out unsuitable horses (young, heavily pregnant or recently foaled), supply defective riding equipment, fail to give proper care to a sick or injured horse, allow a disqualified person to manage the premises, or hide a horse to avoid inspection, you are committing an offence. It is also an offence to give false information when applying for a licence. Conviction can result in fines and/or imprisonment as set out in the Act’s penalty provisions.

Any Person s.3 Environment Agency

Operate riding establishment without licence or breach licence conditions

three months imprisonment

If you run a riding establishment in Wales without first obtaining a licence, or if you hold a licence but fail to comply with any of its conditions, you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to fines, imprisonment or both, although the exact penalties are set by the courts and not spelled out in this Act.

Any Person s.1 Environment Agency

Penalties for non-compliance

4 penalties under this legislation. 3 can result in imprisonment.

Prison risk

Fail to comply with Riding Establishments Act provisions

Fine up to £500 and/or 3 months imprisonment

Summary only s.4 Penalises: Fail to comply with Riding Establishments Act provisions
Prison risk

Operate riding establishment in breach of statutory duties

Fine up to £25 and/or 3 months imprisonment

Summary only s.3 Penalises: Operate riding establishment in breach of statutory duties
Prison risk

Operate riding establishment without licence or breach licence conditions

Fine up to £25 and/or three months imprisonment

Summary only s.1 Penalises: Operate riding establishment without licence or breach licence …
Fine

Obstruct or delay authorised riding‑establishment inspector

Fine up to £500

Summary only s.2 Penalises: Obstruct or delay authorised riding‑establishment inspector

Practical guidance

Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.

Set up equestrian or livery services on your farm

How to comply with VAT, licensing, and insurance requirements when offering livery, riding lessons, or equestrian facilities. Covers VAT treatment, …

Sections and provisions

9 classified provisions from this legislation.

4 Offences and penalties 1 Powers 1 Definitions

Offences and penalties 4

  • s.1 Licensing of riding establishments.
  • s.2 Inspection of Riding Establishments.
  • s.3 Offences.
  • s.4 Penalties and disqualifications.

Powers 1

  • s.5 Power of local authorities to prosecute.

Definitions 1

  • s.6 Interpretation. approved certificate authorised officer local authority