Mountain brumbies now have the run of grassy Currango Plain in Kosciuszko National Park.

Considered by some to be a pest, brumbies also hold an important place in Australia’s history, culture and mythology. 

Cool year-round temperatures and summer snowmelt sustain lush grassy plains and whispering creeks in Kosciuszko National Park, making an ideal environment for brumbies.

Wild horses or feral pests? Galloping across our continent, brumbies polarise opinion like few other introduced animals. 

Wild horses have been etched into the Australian psyce by writers such as Elyne Mitchell (The Silver Brumby) and Banjo Paterson (The Man from Snowy River and Brumby’s Run).

Dominant stallions defend their mares and offspring, and sport numerous battle scars.

High Country cattleman Peter Cochran is a staunch supporter of wild horses.

Wild horses can travel vast distances to water or feed. “I think it is the ability to adapt to different environments, temperatures and food availability that has allowed horses to spread across the country,” says ecologist Dr Magdalena Zabek, who has studied wild horses in Central Australia and southern Queensland.

Australia’s brumbies are known for their keen eyesight and hearing, and have slightly shorter necks and backs than domestic breeds.

Most people agree Australia’s wild horse population needs to be reined in, especially in the more heavily populated and politically sensitive south-east. The question is how and by how much.