Plans to boost off-road access for horse riders

HORSE riders in Carmarthenshire could get more off-road access to the countryside under plans approved by council chiefs.

- RICHARD YOULE

More routes like this would be welcomed by equestrians

Cabinet approved an equestrian strategy at a meeting on Monday, describing it is as a first-of-a-kind in Wales.

The strategy followed a consultation which 502 people and groups responded to.

Two-thirds of adult respondents said they often faced hazards while riding off and on the road.

The most popular option to overcome barriers to participation was more off-road access. A desire for more equestrian facilities, circular routes and easier to use gates was also expressed, among other things.

A cabinet report said 16% of Carmarthenshire’s population was estimated to have a connection with horse ownership and equestrianism, and about 4.5% of the population - just over 8,500 people - own a horse.

It said fewer than 10% of the county’s public rights of way network had equestrian access, “notably lower” than in surrounding counties.