An Australian living heritage
An Australia where wild horses are valued, understood and protected as a unique part of our living landscape and heritage — where viable wild populations can continue to live free.
Our Vision
We seek to change the national conversation surrounding brumbies by supporting independent research into the full ecological role of free-roaming horses — including both their impacts and their potential positive contributions to landscapes, soils, vegetation dynamics, fire ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem processes.
Our ultimate vision is to see wild horses protected in appropriate wild-living landscapes across Australia wherever this can be achieved responsibly, supported by transparent population monitoring and scientifically informed management. Where horses cannot safely remain, we advocate for humane alternatives that preserve family and social bonds wherever possible.
They were born wild.
They deserve the chance to stay wild.
Our Core Belief
The Evidence Lab
We partner with universities, ecologists, soil scientists, hydrologists, fire ecologists and animal behaviourists to investigate the full ecological role of wild horses — both positive and negative — so decisions consider the complete body of evidence.
Research InsightIndependent fire ecologists are examining how free-roaming horses interact with fuel loads and fire regimes in alpine and sub-alpine landscapes — building an evidence base beyond predetermined assumptions.
Partner fire ecologists · Alpine landscape study
Research InsightEcologists are documenting both negative impacts and potential positive contributions to vegetation dynamics, seed dispersal and ecosystem processes — the complete body of evidence.
University ecologists · Vegetation dynamics
Research InsightWe advocate for credible, repeatable and independently scrutinised population counts so that management decisions are based on reliable evidence — not estimates shaped by policy targets.
Independent monitoring · Repeatable survey methods
Research InsightSoil scientists and hydrologists are studying hoofprint-scale interactions between horses, soil structure, water retention and catchment health across the High Country.
Soil scientists & hydrologists · Catchment health
Research InsightGenerations of wild living may have shaped distinct Australian brumby populations. We support research into their genetics, behaviour, adaptation and heritage significance.
Geneticists & behaviourists · Heritage significance
The Sanctuary Blueprint
Where horses cannot safely remain in their existing landscapes, we advocate for humane alternatives that prioritise welfare and preserve family and social bonds — including large-scale wild-living sanctuaries, relocation, fertility management and other non-lethal solutions.
The Snowy Mountains Brumby Sanctuary is intended as a flagship model combining humane relocation, independent ecological monitoring, research, education, tourism and regional employment.
Family bands
Kept together
Management
Non-lethal
Monitoring
Independent
Outcomes
Regional jobs
Hotspot · Humane Relocation
Family bands are relocated together, preserving social bonds and herd structures wherever practical.
Our Objectives
Advocate for the long-term protection of viable wild horse populations and designated areas where horses can live naturally, freely and in stable family groups.
Partner with universities, ecologists, soil scientists, hydrologists, fire ecologists and behaviourists to investigate the full ecological role of wild horses.
Promote transparent, balanced and independently reviewed research so decisions consider the complete body of evidence rather than a predetermined assumption of harm.
Advocate for replacing aerial shooting and other lethal methods wherever credible, humane and practical alternatives can be implemented.
Rehoming plays a valuable role, but our broader goal is protecting viable populations in wild-living environments and preserving wild herds and social structures.
Develop large-landscape sanctuary models where relocated horses continue living naturally with adequate land, water and environmental safeguards.
Advocate for credible, repeatable and independently scrutinised population counts so management decisions rest on reliable evidence.
Recognise the brumby's deep connection to Australian history while supporting research into genetics, behaviour, adaptation and heritage significance.
Bring together Traditional Owners, scientists, veterinarians, land managers, conservationists, welfare experts, governments and experienced horse people.
Create ethical education, conservation tourism and heritage experiences that let visitors witness wild horses with minimal disturbance.
Develop models supporting regional employment, research placements, education, tourism and land restoration — economic, environmental and welfare outcomes.
Work toward a national framework that moves beyond unlimited populations vs lethal control, embracing science, humane management and coexistence.
The National Movement
Help us build a future where Australia leads the world in progressive, humane and evidence-based wild horse conservation.