Aims/Objectives
Project deliverables were to:

• produce a practical prototype EMS framework for the horse keeping community as a prerequisite and a point of reference for performance-based auditing and developmental approval (Phase 1)
• develop and test a self audit kit for horse keepers through close collaboration between the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the horse keeping communities in different states (Phase 2)
• develop an awareness raising and EMS adoption program to reach out to the greater horse keeping community particularly in the Mount Lofty Ranges, and to include an interstate component (Phase 3).

Methods used
The project methodology included a step-by-step design towards the final outcomes, especially the development of a self-audit kit to be promoted to the horse keeping community using a targeted outreach approach. The applied framework used throughout the project was modelled according to the basic elements of ISO 14001 EMS methodology. This provided a systematic approach to capture the potential risks of horse management activities to the environment; to prioritise actions for avoiding or mitigating these risks; and to monitor the success of the on-property action(s) with the implied option of continually improving on-property land management.

The overall methodology was strongly based on a partnership and consultative approach during each project phase. Participatory development principles were used to ensure that the project products were endorsed by all parties potentially affected or involved in the future use of the products. A pilot group, comprising a cross-section of the horse industry sector in SA was tasked to assist in developing, testing and reviewing the products. Environmental land management principles (to be promoted by the products) were reviewed by scientific and government experts (to ensure a sound scientific basis), and tested by the pilot group (to ensure their likely adoption).

Additional, underpinning tools used as part of the project included: the use of workshop and review sessions; field days; monitoring performance and evaluation for the desired project outcomes and the actual environmental improvements on the ground. Qualitative and semi-quantitative evaluation tools used were pilot participant surveys at the beginning and end of the project; feedback surveys at the end of workshops and field days; participant reports / presentations on their on farm improvements; mid-term project review with project team.

Throughout the three years of research, the project made extensive use of promotional opportunities such as media releases, and presentations at national and international conferences and local events.

Results
The results of the project are listed below.

• Phase 1—Prototype EMS developed as a basis for developing a self-assessment tool for horse keepers. For the first time in Australia, a comprehensive list was compiled including main horse keeping activities and their potential environmental impacts. This provided a valuable basis for a focused approach in Phase 2 and a mutual understanding of the fundamental environmental issues potentially caused by horse keeping activities.

Additional products. During Phase 1 workshops and field days a significant knowledge gap of the pilot group (and hence, the larger horse keeping community) became apparent. There was a lack of understanding about how to take the natural conditions of a horse property into account when managing the property. As a result, a Step-by-step guide for land capability assessment was devised for the pilot group to guide the user through the process of assessing the natural conditions of the property and recommend environmentally sustainable stocking rates, appropriate locations for structures and property maintenance requirements.

• Phase 2—Self-assessment tool (now called ‘Action Planner’) developed. The Action Planner was developed based on a series of workshops and review sessions identifying a pragmatic and user-friendly structure for the document and its scientific content. It was created to enable the horse keeping community to conduct a quick (about 20-minute long) assessment of how their property management fares. It has been tested interstate and received enthusiastic responses.

Additional products. While drafting the Action Planner, it became evident that enticing horse owners to adopt sound environmental practices would be greatly enhanced if a ‘how to’ guide was added to the package. Hence, the Management Guidelines were developed to accompany the Action Planner.

• Phase 3—Adoption and outreach strategy developed. A well thought-through adoption and outreach strategy would allow Horse SA, the custodian of future activities on environmental management by horse keepers, to target its efforts strategically with the goal of ultimately raising the (environmental) performance of the horse keeping community. The strategy was devised based on substantial consultation with government and the horse keeping community. It now contains a prioritised sequence of strategic actions with the highest potential for on-ground environmental improvement results.

Additional products. The project team soon realised that the development of an adoption and outreach strategy would benefit from expert input. Additional Natural Heritage Trust (Envirofund) funding enabled the team to engage Porter Novelli Pty Ltd in the development of the strategy. Porter Novelli used tools such as workshops and surveys to identify different target groups for an outreach program using the principles of community-based social marketing of Dr Doug McKenzie-Mohr.

All initially specified project objectives and desired products were achieved, but overall project success lies in the application of the participatory development and management approaches used throughout the project.

Implications for relevant stakeholders
Environmental management for horse keepers won’t wind down after this project. The project has laid a solid foundation to carry out works into the future such as the community-of-practice forum; adoption and outreach monitoring; and expansion of training and research into other ‘lifestyle’ rural land managers, who often manage horses on their properties (see: www.horseslandandwater.com).

Recommendations

• Industry reporting—To value self-assessment and guideline tools as true instigators for environmental behaviour change, third party verification is essential. There could be opportunities to use the tools in developing an industry sector-based, collective, reporting tools as to what degree environmental improvements are achieved by industry members. Such reporting mechanisms could be modelled according to existing efforts in other parts of the world, where industry reporting is now used in the NRM decision making framework by government.
• Adoption and outreach—The success of the outreach program can (and needs to be)  monitored and evaluated over time. Horse SA can take the lead in this effort and liaise with government (e.g. EPA) on the promotion of the results.
• Extension—Adaptation of the tools to other areas of Australia can be initiated if desired. Horse SA has already indicated that they will be seeking ways to adapt these tools to other regions in Australia.
• Promotion of tools nation wide—This can occur through a media extension effort, led by Horse SA.