Table Mountain Equestrian Forum

EQUESTRIAN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (EMP)
DECEMBER 2023

SANParks has finalised the Environmental Management Programme for equestrian activities in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). This document determines how and where horse-riders may exercise their horses and enjoy the natural environment.

The EMP sets out designated tracks for horse-riding. There is also a Code of Conduct for horse-riders using the park.

It’s important to note that there are no exclusive horse trails in the TMNP; all are shared with hikers, runners and other pedestrians and, in some areas, with dog-walkers and cyclists. The official policy of SANParks is that on shared trails cyclists and dog-walkers must give way to horses. Dogwalkers and cyclists also require Activity Permits and are bound by their own Codes of Conduct.

What is the outcome of the EMP process?

• SANParks fully supports and recognises the right to use the TMNP for equestrian activities and values the contribution equestrian groups make to the maintenance of horse trails. There is no intention to curtail riding, but there is a recognition that with increasing pressure on the national park all recreational activities must be managed to limit their environmental impact and promote positive interactions between user groups.
• In the revised EMP, the tracks that are re is no major loss of riding trails. However, very few of the new trails proposed by equestrian communities have been approved. This means that current riding tracks are protected and can only be closed through a consultative process with the equestrian community.
• During the EMP process, channels for communication and cooperation have been opened between the equestrian communities, Park management and other user groups during the EMP process. Other user groups have been very supportive of the equestrian EMP, however enforcement of the respective Codes of Conduct, particularly for dog walkers and mountain bikers, remains an issue.
• Many riders and members of equestrian communities have given input. Going forward it is vital that the equestrian community remains actively engaged with park management to safeguard and extend access to the national park for current and future riders.

About the TMEF
The TMEF was established at the request of SANParks to coordinate the review of the previous EMP, which dated back to 2004. Now that the EMP 2023 has been finalised, the TMEF will provide a broadly representative forum for horse riders and equestrian organisations to engage with SANParks and help facilitate communication around issues relating to riding in Table Mountain National Park.