A case study analysis of horse riding and its management in a peri-urban setting

Abbott, E., Newsome, D. and Palmer, S. (2010) A case study analysis of horse riding and its management in a peri-urban setting. CRC for Sustainable Tourism, Gold Coast, Queensland.

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Abstract

The demand for different recreational activities in national parks and peri-urban reserves – including horse riding – has increased. Horse riding has been found to be more damaging to the surrounding environment than other recreational activities such as walking. Typical impacts include trampling of vegetation, deepening and widening of trails, spread of weeds and pathogens, and compaction of the soil. Common management techniques include site management and visitor management, but there is little knowledge about the success of these management techniques or if they are being implemented at all. This report documents a case study analysis of bridle trail management undertaken in peri-urban settings near Perth, Western Australia. It provides a simple, rapid assessment of trail condition, and makes recommendations for the ongoing sustainability of the trails.