A CARLISLE equestrian centre has shared an update on its plans to re-open after being forced to temporarily close after a highly contagious infection was confirmed in one of its horses.

In a social media update on Friday, September 29, Greenlands Equestrian Centre near Wreay announced that it was 'aiming to open again in November' after one of its horses tested positive for streptococcus equi, which causes the disease known as strangles.

This comes after the equestrian centre had confirmed, with a 'heavy heart' in a social media statement on Wednesday, September 20 that it would be forced to close for two weeks due to the positive case of the horse infection.

This enforced closure also came after Greenlands was initially been advised by a vet that they could remain open, but the decision to temporarily close was taken with the safety of the horses and everyone at the centre in mind.

Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection which is most common in horses, donkeys and ponies, while humans have also contracted the infection in rare cases.

Greenlands Equestrian Centre was approached for comment.