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Introduction

Of the different types of equestrian activities, horse riding is the most common; enjoyed by more than 229,000 Australians annually. For WA, it is estimated that 21,154 people participate in equestrian activities each year.

Taking the Reins — the WA Recreational Horse Trail Strategy 2015 identified a need to improve access to information on where horse riding can be conducted safely and legally. The strategy also outlined plans to enhance education, advocacy and governance for horse trails.

These improvements include guidance on necessary infrastructure, accessibility requirements, trail design features and shared trail use etiquette. Achieving these goals will safeguard participation and ensure the delivery of high quality and consistent trail experiences across the State.

In 2019, the Trails Development Series was published to provide best practice guidance on the Trail Development Process, community consultation, multi-criteria decision analysis, partnerships, funding, trail models and signage.

The series includes checklists and templates to assist with planning and evaluation of the various stages of trail projects.

A suite of activity-specific trail guidelines for the range of trail-related activities will complement the series.

In 2019, the Western Australian Mountain Bike Management Guidelines was launched as the first set of activity-specific guidelines and in 2024, the Western Australian Hiking Trail Management Guidelines was released.

These WA Horse Trail Management Guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Trails Development Series.

Vision and objectives

The objectives are to:

• provide an understanding of various styles of trails-based equestrian activities and the differing user types and their needs
• support trail development using principles of sustainable planning, design and construction techniques
• provide a consistent approach to horse trail classifications, development, maintenance and management across WA
• ensure consistent use of the Trail Development Process for all trails.

These guidelines will be of value to:

• trail planners, designers, builders and maintenance teams
• land managers and landowners
• trail clubs, associations and ‘friends of’ groups
• State trails and outdoor recreation bodies and organisations
• training providers for trail design, construction and maintenance.

They aim to ensure horse trails are developed to meet the needs of users, manage potential degradation of natural and cultural values and meet high sustainability standards.

These guidelines provide general principles and advice. Every trail will be different and given the variety of situations and locations, each trail project needs to be considered on its own merits.

Horse trails in WA are located on various land tenures. Most horse trails however are on local government-managed land or Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service-managed land.

Policies and information pertaining to lands managed by local governments and Parks and Wildlife Service are provided for general information.