What to expect at your inspection

This section focuses on bio-security, a centre having sufficient experienced staff to oversee the welfare of all horses on site plus records/access to care plans such as worming, dentistry and shoeing/trimming. The welfare of the horse is the most important aspect of any professional equestrian centre.

Here relevant Criminal Record Checks (DBS in England and Wales, Access NI in Northern Ireland, PVG in Scotland and Garda in Republic of Ireland) checks need to be in place for staff, depending upon their role within the Centre. It’s worth considering which member of staff can undertake the role of being the Safeguarding Officer (person responsible for Safeguarding) for your Centre. There is no legal requirement within local authority licensing to have any safeguarding in place, so this not only makes our Approved Centres unique but is certainly appealing to those looking for a Centre to learn to ride or further enjoy their time with their horse.

Now we look at the overall impression of the Centre. Is the Centre safe, secure, and welcoming to clients – both old and new? Are there clean rest areas or somewhere to sit? Friendly, approachable staff? Is there relevant information available for all clients? Is there a clear communication system in place for both staff and clients alike?

Centres are checked to make sure there are qualified staff available to provide lessons, and any trainee coaches have someone more experienced there to support them should they need it. Centres should also have suitably qualified first aiders available should an accident happen (minimum BHS or FAW trained, emergency courses are not acceptable) For centres that offer hacking and treks, they will need to demonstrate that their ride leaders are suitably experienced to lead rides over the various terrain they will have access to.

Both horse and human! Clean toilets, suitable stables, safe and well-maintained arena(s), safely stored show jumps, correctly maintained cross county course (if applicable). An older Centre can be just as Highly Commended on facilities as a new, purpose-built Centre if the facilities are maintained correctly.

Safe and correctly fitting tack is of paramount importance for both horse and rider comfort and welfare. The Inspector will check if any riding/trekking centre tack is inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear and clearly labelled to prevent any mix ups on a busy Saturday morning.

We recognise that in some areas, access to grazing may be limited so its use needs to be well managed. The Inspector will ensure that there is safe fencing with a visible grassland/turnout management plan. Grazing should be free from poisonous plants and removal of droppings well managed. It should have access to water and shelter. Access to individual turnout, if needed, is a bonus as is hard standing in all gateways.

The not so fun but very important part! Essential for both reputational and business protection. Centres will self-declare that their paperwork is in order, with key documents having to be submitted in advance of the visit, and the inspector may complete a spot check during the visit. We will also check risk assessments are in place, plus accident reporting procedures and relevant insurance and licensing documents. Good employment practice is key to retaining your hard-working staff – so employment contracts and development plans for staff will need to be in place.