• Equestrian is the broad umbrella term for sport involving riding on horseback.

Whilst there are many different styles and disciplines of equestrian participation, they are generally pursued by three types of participants:

• Leisure - equestrians of all ages and abilities who ride less frequently and so do in an unstructured or informal manner.
• Enthusiast - Enthusiasts are likely to ride often and use both equestrian facilities and trails to complement their schooling. Enthusiasts are likely to seek more technical trails and equestrian infrastructure such as cross-country courses and varied terrain.
• Sport Competitive equestrians - Competitive equestrians who ride multiple times per week and are members of a club, association or peak body sanctioned to host events. They will seek a higher standard of equestrian facility and associated infrastructure.

An Equestrian Strategy was developed by Council in 2014 to understand and guide the provision of equestrian opportunities in Cardinia Shire. The revised strategy will continue to drive our implementation of local equestrian facilities and trails.

Two key rounds of community consultation will be undertaken as part of the 2014 Equestrian Strategy review.

The community were initially engaged during a seven-week period from May – 30 June 2021. Council sought community feedback on:

• How local equestrian facilities and trails were used
• Which local equestrian facilities and trails were used
• Current issues affecting the equestrian community
• Suggested improvements to local equestrian facilities and trails.

The online survey was completed by 251 people, with 150 people providing feedback through the interactive online map.

The second round of consultation in November and December 2023 will help Council to finalise the draft Equestrian Strategy.

A goal of the Equestrian Strategy is to develop plan to support the future maintenance and upgrade of equestrian trails and facilities which will be incorporated into Council’s maintenance, renewal, and future capital works plan. The methodology and approach of the Equestrian Strategy ensures an evidence-based and data-driven approach with community feedback and engagement to inform decision-making and prioritisation of investment.

Council will continue to work with the community regarding the sealing of the hills projects and consider equestrian as part of any future road designs where there is an equestrian trail or equestrian reserve.