Rein and Shine Equestrian Centre has awarded a 5-star rating following an inspection by Wiltshire Council. The riding school has been recognised for meeting the highest standards of animal welfare, in line with new regulations.
The Animal Welfare Regulations 2018 came into force last October and introduced a new system of local authority licensing for activities involving animals in England, which specifically update the licensing system for horse riding establishments.
Following an inspection by Wiltshire Council on 4th July 2019, Rein & Shine Equestrian Centre was awarded a 5-star riding school licence which will remain valid for three years.
Johanna McDonald, who runs the centre with her husband John, said: “This award is most important to us as it’s all about top animal welfare. It’s not just what you see when you are here, it's also about what you don't see. The quality of grazing for the horses, their medical care, feed plans, exercise plans, living conditions and so on. John and I are extremely proud to have achieved 5-stars. When choosing where you ride surely you will pick a place where the animal welfare has been graded as the best - cheap riding doesn't mean better horse welfare.”
The regulations set out a framework for local authorities to follow when considering licensing applications and the conditions that must be met. The conditions must be satisfied and covers areas such as licence display; records; use, number and type of animal; staffing; suitable environment; suitable diet; monitoring of behaviour and training of animals; animal handling and interactions; protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease; and emergencies. In order to receive a licence a business must meet all the minimum standards outlined in the guidance.
To find out more about Rein and Shine, visit their website: www.reinandshine.co.uk
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