Concern over decline in horse riding schools across Beds, Bucks and Herts
Nationally 1.5 million riding lessons are being lost every year due to closures
An equestrian welfare charity says the bond between humans and horses is at risk as riding centre numbers decline.
Buckinghamshire has lost 2 riding centres since 2018, with Bedfordshire losing 5 and Hertfordshire 2.
Figures from the British Horse Society show - nationally - one-and-a-half million riding lessons are being lost every year due to the closures.
CEO of the Society James Hick, says the bond between horses and humans is unique.
He added: "More than 90% of people who first get the opportunity to ride a horse, gain that unbelievable connection between a horse and human relationships at that point."
It leaves Buckinghamshire with 21 riding centres, Bedfordshire with 13 and Hertfordshire with 20.
James also says the schools can be a lifeline for children who've been kicked out of school:
"By going to a riding school it really allows them to develop their education and get them back onto the school curriculum.
"It's the connection with the horse that allows that to happen, so if we lose that its going to be devastating.
"Some of that is likely to be the covid effect, but putting that aside, there's also a rising cost in running a riding school.
"One of the other issues is being able to access really good staff to train people.
"There are so many great jobs available and there's a really strong demand from people who want to learn.
"So we would encourage people to go to a riding school, learn how to ride, and then become a coach or do other work within the equestrian sector."