Policy problems, publics, and the power of definition: Competing discourses and the case of Alberta's free‐roaming horses

Implementing policies and laws is difficult in areas where there are interested parties with differing values, attitudes, and perceptions. Another challenge is the democratization of policy and including those who have been systematically excluded from the conversation. The main topic of this paper is human interactions with free‐roaming horses (FRH) in Alberta. A multidimensional approach to policymaking is suggested by using situational mapping approaches that visually position and represent diverse perspectives on FRH. Drawing upon qualitative interviews with 24 landowners, business leaders, and First Nations/Métis who share land with FRH, we analyze four key themes: rural alienation, First Nations and the branding of horses, managing FRH on grazing leases, and the representation of FRH interests. Together, the four thematic foci illustrate diverse perspectives and shifting allegiances that exist within and between policy “stakeholder” groups. We present situational mapping as a useful tool to be used by policymakers to address complex environmental problems that include multidimensional perspectives.