The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has improved horse riding facilities in Nightcap National Park and a local horse riding club are saddling up for the first ride of the year this Saturday.
NPWS Richmond River Ranger Andrew Fay said trails, signage, GPS technology and other facilities have been upgraded and are ready for the 20 to 40 horse riders to enjoy this weekend.
‘Following a consultation meeting with horse riders in 2013, signage and a designated trailer parking area for horse floats and horse holding yards are now in place,’ Mr Fay said.
‘Recycled plastic has also been used to create this infrastructure, making the project environmentally sustainable too,’ he said.
Park visitation by horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers is also being enriched with new technological developments.
‘NPWS and community recreation groups have developed Trackmap, which uses GPS technology to assist horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers to safely navigate tracks and trails in real time,’ Mr Fay said.
Wendy King from the Richmond River Trail Horse Riders Club said the group are looking forward to their first ride for 2017 through the world heritage listed rainforests of Nightcap National Park.
‘We have been liaising with NPWS and together we have worked out suitable routes for a safe and enjoyable first ride,’ Mrs King said.
‘We appreciate the work that is being done to improve the facilities and we are eager to get out there and have an enhanced riding experience,’ Mrs King said.
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