Effects of Horse Riding on National Parks and Other Natural Ecosystems in Australia: Implications for Management

Abstract

Balancing increasing recreation demand with nature conservation objectives in Australia's protected areas provides a difficult challenge for landmanagers. This paper summarises the evidence of biophysical impacts of horse riding and highlights the important differences between Australian environments and those elsewhere. Unique environmental conditions in Australia make conservation lands in Australia potentially sensitive to the impacts of horses, both direct (e.g. trampling) and indirect (e.g. alteration of soil fungal regimes in response to addition of faeces and urine). We discuss ways in which horse use may be sustainably managed on Australian conservation estates, provided that certain conditions are met.