PEMBROKESHIRE riding school Bowlings has added its voice to a call for riding centres to be reopened.

Shadow health minister Andrew R T Davies MS has backed calls from the Riding for the Disabled Association to reopen indoor riding centres.

According to RDA, some 77 per cent of its members have reported that the continuing closure of indoor centres has had a negative effect on their mental health.

The charity organises activities including riding and carriage driving, as well as providing therapy, fitness, and skills development.

Mr Davies said: “The benefits of ‘equine therapy’ for people with a range of conditions and disabilities are well-documented, and the specific benefits of RDA to its service users are almost beyond measure.

“The mental health and well-being of so many people in Wales is being adversely affected by the current ban on the use of indoor riding centres.

“I urge the Welsh Labour-led Government to review this as soon as possible, because it can be done in a safe and sensible manner.”

Bowlings Riding School in Rudbaxton has backed the call and urged visitors to its Facebook page to write to their Member of the Senedd.

"So we have all our fingers and toes crossed that the shadow health minister, Andrew RT Davies can have some influence on the Welsh Government in allowing riding centres to use their indoor schools and therefore provide RDA sessions again.

"If you are a rider who has been affected by not being able to return for riding sessions I urge you to write to your local member of the Senedd to add your support to the campaign to allow centres to use their indoor arenas."