Document Type
Article
Abstract
Horseback riding is one of the traditional forms of recreation in national parks and protected areas, and can give visitors a special chance to explore these beautiful natural areas from a different perspective. However, the activity has raised concerns for its perceived effects on the environment. This paper synthesizes and reviews secondary literature on the environmental effects of horseback riding, and identifies four broad themes: disturbance to wildlife, degradation of water quality, loss of vegetation, and soil erosion. The evidence indicates that equines have the potential to inflict far greater trail damage and ecological impact than other trail participants, including hikers, especially in the absence of thorough management practices. In spite of these issues, horseback riding still carries cultural and historical meaning in many locations, symbolizing tradition, heritage, and an appreciation of nature. This paper supports fairly-balanced and context-specific management measures that promotes ecological integrity concurrent with the cultural importance of equine use access. Recommendations include environmentally sustainable trail construction, education to users, and further studies towards informing adaptive, evidence-based policy making.
Repository Citation
Kupic, Briana, "One Horse Power: The Environmental Consequences of Horseback Riding Trails in Protected Areas and National Parks" (2025). Hospitality Graduate Student Scholarship. 36.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/hosp_graduate/36
