Forestry Commission Wales staff saddled up for action to ensure horse riders and mountain bikers can continue to enjoy the woods of Wales in safety.

Local area managers and FC Wales recreation staff swapped their forestry hard hats for riding helmets during an equestrian training and awareness event at Rheidol Riding Centre, near Aberystwyth.

They took the reins for riding lessons to give them a better understanding of equestrian issues as a growing number of people discover the enjoyment of horse riding in Assembly Government woodlands.

It was important to know how to safely integrate the 450km of bridleways and 50km of carriage driving routes in Assembly Government woodlands with the hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails, said FC Wales visitor management advisor Dave Liddy.

“Thousands of mountain bikers appreciate the thrill of riding along our world-famous trails,” said Liddy.

“But it’s important that our staff on the ground know how to manage the needs of these different user groups.”

Rheidol Riding Centre owner Iola Evans gave demonstrations of the interaction between horses and mountain bikers which highlighted the need to carefully manage potential meetings of these two user groups.

Liddy added: “We’re the largest land manager in Wales and our woodlands offer wide-ranging and exciting opportunities for recreation.

“Hopefully, the equestrian training and awareness event will help our staff to ensure that the growing number of mountain bikers and horse riders can continue to enjoy our woods in safety.”