The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (20 July) expressed serious concerns about the Welsh Government's approach to reopening the nation’s indoor equestrian venues and the detrimental impact that it may be having on some of society’s most vulnerable.

Mrs Finch-Saunders says that the prolonged closure of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) groups is having a negative impact on many members’ confidence, as well as their physical and mental well-being. A recent survey found that 80% of members believe that being unable to access RDA meetings has had a negative impact on their physical well-being, whilst 77% have claimed a negative impact to their mental well-being.

Speaking of the situation, Janet said:

“I am most concerned about the irregular approach taken by the Welsh Government to the reopening of equine venues, which has left many officials scratching their heads. Their approach lacks consistency as, whilst work at a normal indoor equine venue cannot yet resume, some covered arenas may be available for use, depending on the venue’s permission from their local authority and insurers.

“There is also 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.

“When you consider that equestrian indoor arenas are completely different to other indoor sport facilities in their provision of only a toilet, and that their spacious pens easily allow for adequate social distancing, I find the lack of movement in reopening this sector ridiculous.

“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 well-being of some of society’s most vulnerable may resume.”

ENDS

Photo: Marylou Fortier/UnSplash