Michigan Riding Stables License Details & FAQ

Notice:
Since 1974 the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) has licensed and regulated horse riding stables offering six or more horses or ponies for rent for riding purposes. Due to state financial constraints, MDARD can no longer operate the horse riding stable program. Therefore, effective August 1, 2009, the department is suspending the horse riding stable program.

In addition, effective today, MDARD will no longer accept new applications for a riding stable license. Although MDARD will no longer be regulating riding stables, all riding stable operators are advised to use the laws and regulations concerning riding stables as guidelines for animal care in their facilities. Complainants wishing to file complaints against riding stables will be directed to local law enforcement agencies.

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Laws and Regulations

The laws relative to Riding Stables are (follow the links):

• The Animal Industry Act: Public Act 466 of 1988, as amended
  Covers many aspects of the animal industry.
  
• Regulations for The Animal Industry Act
  Describes the specific regulations operating under the Animal Industry Act.
  
• Michigan Penal Code (Chapter IX animals): Public Act 328 of 1931 (as amended)
  An excerpt of the Michigan Penal code pertaining to the animal industries.
  
• Equine Activity Liability Act: Public Act 351 of 1994
  An Act to regulate civil liability related to equine activities; and to prescribe certain duties for equine professionals.
  
• Horse Riding Stables and Sales Barns: Public Act 93 of 1974
  An Act to license and regulate horse riding stables and sales barns; to prescribe the duties of the department of agriculture; and to provide penalties.
  
• Regulation No. 154: Horse Riding Stables and Sales Barns 

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Additional Materials

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• Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Brochure
  
  
• West Nile Virus in Horses Brochure
  

• Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Farm Animals
  State of Michigan recommended agricultural and management practices for farm animals.
  

• Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Manure Management and Utilization
  State of Michigan recommended agricultural and management practices for manure management and utilization.