[1] Brumbies are the descendants of escaped or lost horses, dating back in some cases to those belonging to the early European settlers.

[2] They are the subject of some controversy – regarded as a pest and threat to native ecosystems by environmentalists and the government,[3][4] but also valued by others as part of Australia's heritage, with supporters working to prevent inhumane treatment or extermination, and rehoming brumbies who have been captured.

Four of these instances were of an article "Brumbie Shooting"[15] from Munro's Port Curtis Almanac and Miners' and Settlers' Companion for 1876.

[26] The long journey by sea from England, Europe and Asia meant that only the strongest horses survived the trip, making for a particularly healthy and strong Australian stock, which aided in their ability to flourish.

[27] Horses were likely confined primarily to the Sydney region until the early 19th century, when settlers first crossed the Blue Mountains and opened expansion inland.

[28] This may have been the result of pastoralists abandoning their settlements and thus, their horses, due to the arid conditions and unfamiliar land that combined to make farming in Australia especially difficult.

Throughout the 20th century, the replacement of horses with machines in farming led to further reductions in demand, and may have also contributed to increases in feral populations.

[32] Where they are allowed to damage vegetation and cause erosion, the impact on the environment is significant, and for that reason can be considered a serious environmental threat.

[3] Brumbies roaming in the Australian Alps of south-eastern Australia are thought to be descendants of horses which were owned by the pastoralist and pioneer, Benjamin Boyd.

[33] On the coast south of Geraldton, Western Australia the brumbies there are known as "Pangare ponies", as they appear to carry the rare Pangaré gene.

The gene causes lightening in parts of a horse's coat, resulting in a mealy-coloured muzzle, forearms, flanks and the belly.

[35] Brumbies have been captured, fitted with GPS tracking collars and used in extensive comparative research into the effect of terrain on the morphology and health of different horses' hooves.

Brumbies are sometimes sold into the European horse meat market after their capture, and contribute millions of dollars to the Australian economy.

Sectional points are awarded for the stockman's challenge for care and skill in catching the brumby and their ability to teach them to lead.

[44] Their environmental impact may include soil loss, compaction, and erosion; trampling of vegetation; reduction in the vastness of plants; increased tree deaths by chewing on bark; damage to bog habitats and waterholes; spreading of invasive weeds; and various detrimental effects on population of native species.

[26] However, brumbies are also credited for helping keep tracks and trails clear for bush walkers and service vehicles in some areas.

[3] Disease can lead to high fatalities and financial losses among domestic populations, prompting many farmers to call for the regulated management of feral horses.

Like all livestock, brumbies can carry the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, which can result in serious gastroenteritis in people, from drinking contaminated water.

Currently, management attempts vary, as feral horses are considered pests in some states, such as South Australia, but not others, including Queensland.

The primary argument in favour of the removal of brumbies is that they impact on fragile ecosystems and damage and destroy endangered native flora and fauna.

Public concern is a major issue in control efforts[58] as many advocate for the protection of brumbies, including some Aboriginal people who believe feral horses belong to the country.

The costs include those that are economic, such as research, equipment purchases, and labour expenditures, as well as moral concerns over the welfare of the horses.

[32] Organisations supporting brumbies argue that aerial shooting is unnecessary and that alternative population control methods have not been given adequate trials, while government officials express concern about the need to control rapidly growing populations in order to avoid ecological problems associated with too many feral horses in certain areas.

It may be assisted by feed-luring in which bales of hay are strategically placed to attract feral horses to a location where capture is feasible.

Complicating this process is low demand for the captured horses, making it less desirable than fertility control or shooting, which reduce the population without having to find alternative locations for them.

As a result of the public outcry that followed the NSW Government established a steering committee to investigate alternative methods of control.

This was a result of a public outcry to a previously proposed plan by South Australia's Department of Environment and Natural Resources to cull all animals in the park.

[75] Brumbies are considered a part of Australia's colonial history[broken anchor] and as such their historic legacy is as politically controversial as their biological impact.

[46] Brumbies, called "wild bush horses", are mentioned in Banjo Paterson's poem The Man from Snowy River.

[79] These stories were dramatised and made into a movie of the same name (also known as The Silver Stallion: King of the Wild Brumbies), starring Russell Crowe and Caroline Goodall.