Horse Riding

South Australia has a number of trails ideal for horse riding and some of the best can be found in our State Forests. At Kuitpo Forest, 45-minutes drive south of Adelaide near the town of Meadows, there are several multi-use loop trails, each 20-kilometres long. To the North, Mount Crawford Forest, one hour’s drive from Adelaide in the northern Adelaide Hills, also has some good horse trails, including three, 20-kilometre multi-use loop trails. Forests are also located in Second Valley, Bundaleer and the South East of South Australia, near Mount Gambier.

Parks close to Adelaide which permit you to ride your horse include Belair National Park, Shepherds Hill National Park, Sturt Gorge National Park and Para Wirra Conservation Park.

South Australia’s long distance multi-use trail which permits horse riding is The Kidman Trail, which traverses country from Willunga to Kapunda via the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley.

For riders without their own horses, there are commercial providers who provide trail riding services

Safety tips

• Only competent riders and well-trained horses should use the trails
• Riders should keep their horses under control at all times
• Observe signage, including for temporary trail closures
• Check if permits are required, or for any known trail closures prior to riding
• Share the trail, taking care when other users are present
• Remain on the trail at all times, particularly in areas with valuable native vegetation.
• Keep trail heads & float parking areas tidy.
• Bring your own water for horses.

Familiarise yourself with

Adventure Activity Standards (Horse Riding)

SafeWork Australia Guide to managing risks when new or inexperienced people interact with horses