In the United Kingdom, horse riding schools are not subject to mandatory regulation or registration, meaning anyone can set up a riding school without oversight or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. This lack of legal requirement has raised concerns about child safety and animal welfare, as reported by the British Horse Society (BHS) and other organizations.
According to the BHS, while there are voluntary approval schemes like the BHS Approved Riding School scheme, these are not legally binding. As of 2026, there is no government-mandated register for riding schools, and instructors are not required to hold any specific qualifications. This contrasts with other countries like Ireland, where riding schools must be registered with the local authority and undergo inspections.
Campaigners, including the BHS, have called for mandatory licensing and DBS checks for all riding school staff. A 2023 report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Horse Welfare highlighted the risks, including unqualified instructors and poor welfare conditions. However, as of May 2026, no legislation has been passed to address this gap.
Parents are advised to check if a riding school is approved by the BHS or the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) before enrolling children. These voluntary schemes require regular inspections and staff vetting, providing some assurance of safety and standards.
