The Australian Trail Horse Riders Association (ATHRA) was formed in January 1972 and has been growing steadily ever since. It is now well established in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Trail riding is a non competitive and relaxing leisure activity which the whole family can enjoy together.

 In the beginning, the Association was primarily the driving force in planning, developing and establishing the concept of a National Horse Trail.

Trail riding is the ability to travel on roads and legal tracks, enjoy the surrounds and the challenge of the terrain.
The ability to visit and enjoy places of interest, historical significance not usually seen or enjoyed by the vast majority of the public
Respecting the rights of other bush users to access our public lands.

In 1985 the National Trail committee was formed as a subcommittee of ATHRA, and in 1988 both groups became separate entities when the National Trail became a reality.  During the Bicentennial year (1988), the National Trail was officially opened in three States and had the support of the local, state and federal government, as well as land owners and the general public.

The National Trail was obligated, under the requirements of federal and state bicentennial grants to be a multi-use trail with an emphasis on heritage and the adventure experience.

ANTHRA has gone on to become a comprehensive association of trail riding clubs.  It has a national body which sets governance, policies, manages insurance and conducts an annual National Conference on a rotating basis through each of its state branches.  Each state branch has its own executive which oversees the activities of its affiliated clubs and deploys governance and policy.  The associations manpower is totally voluntary and it is a non-profit organisation.

ATRHA's role has evolved substantially since it began because of the great demand for recreational hose riding and its ability to promote the many benefits of membership through a local club.  It's benefits are:

• Low joining fee
• Being part of a non-competitive group the whole family can enjoy
• Non riders can even form part of a back up crew
• Inter-club and interstate club rides are encouraged
• No special equipment or breed of horse is required
• Safe trail riding through clubs following a standard set of recommendations and rules
• Development of our National Accreditation Programme.

Trail rides can be either a leisurely one or two day ride on established tracks in native bushland or 'trek' riding which may or may not include the use of packhorses.   Duration can be anything from a few hours to a few days to a few weeks.