Concern is growing in the trekking and trail-riding sector over the likely long-term effects of the foot-and-mouth crisis on their business.
These activities came to a standstill in February. Treks pass through farm land and some mountain areas populated by sheep and deer, so it was felt they could create a risk of spreading foot-and-mouth.
Trekking and trail-riding holidays are a very important sector in equestrian holidays, according to Ms Marie McKeown, Bord Failte product manager. "On average, about 63,000 people take equestrian tourism holidays a year and bring £33 million into the economy," she said. "I would say that about half of them come for trail-riding or trekking."
Trail-riders are seen as high-spending tourists and are of great benefit to small guesthouses and shops on their routes.
About 200 equestrian centres rely on these activities to boost summer income. For about 20 centres this is the only income. "One woman told me that she had not earned a red cent since February 28th," said Capt Tommy Ryan, secretary of the Association of Irish Riding Establishments.
He said there was now a real concern that horse-owners would not be able to feed their animals.
"It's not like golfing where you can lock away the clubs for six months and forget about them. You can't do that with a horse. Horses still have to be fed and exercised."
Owners of trekking establishments have contacted the Minister for Agriculture to seek some support in providing feedstuffs. "Our members are not looking for compensation," Capt Ryan said. "They just want to ensure that their animals are looked after."
The sector is now beginning its busiest period. Centres are faced with refusing bookings because they do not know when they will get the go-ahead to resume.
Ms Helen McDaid runs "Donegal from the Saddle" a trekking and trail-riding service in Dunfanaghy. She is doubly hit because her husband is a blacksmith. His forge closed when the crisis began. "It's very worrying, because I closed last October, and the money I make during the summer has to carry me through the winter," she said.
