Cameron praises life in the saddle

David Cameron has spoken of his love of horse riding, just days after becoming involved in a row over whether he had ridden an animal loaned to former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks by the police.

The Prime Minister said riding was a “lovely way to enjoy the countryside”, but complained he had not had many opportunities to get in the saddle since entering Downing Street.

Mr Cameron also revealed he takes advice from his mother Mary and said he found video game Angry Birds “addictive” during a grilling from schoolchildren in No 10.

The Prime Minister last week confirmed that ex-Metropolitan Police horse Raisa was among his mounts on rides with Brooks’s husband Charlie – a friend from their Eton schooldays.

“I like riding. I think it’s a lovely way to enjoy the countryside,” he said. “I was taught to ride when I was young. I love doing it but I haven’t had much time for it recently.”