Calls to reopen indoor horse riding centres to benefit mental and physical health of disabled riders
A horse riding association for disabled people said being unable to access meetings and activities has had a negative impact on their members' physical and mental wellbeing.
The "prolonged" closure of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) groups has led to 80% of members saying it has had a negative impact on their physical health.
The RDA said its horses benefit the lives of more than 25,000 disabled children and adults. The charity organises activities including riding and carriage driving, as well as providing therapy, fitness and skills development. It has been unable to continue its activities during lockdown.
The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs is calling for the Welsh Government to consider the safe reopening of indoor equestrian arenas.
Janet Finch-Saunders MS said: "I am most concerned about the irregular approach taken by the Welsh Government to the reopening of equine venues.
"There is no acknowledgement from Mark Drakeford’s administration of future plans to reopen this sector ahead of his next review of the Covid-19 restrictions. This is a stark and worrying absence when his administration has publicly confirmed that they are considering the reopening of our nation’s gyms, leisure centres, fitness studios and swimming pools.
“I urge the Welsh Government to consider the safe reopening of indoor equestrian arenas so that their vital work in maintaining the mental and physical wellbeing of some of society’s most vulnerable may resume.”
The Welsh Government said the next formal review of the regulations is due by 30 July. It said it is discussing with local authorities and other operators how gyms, leisure centres, indoor equestrian venues, fitness studios and swimming pools can introduce measures to safely open.