Horse Aid Programs

Healing Horsemanship Programs for serving and, ex-serving defence personnel and first responders

Ex-racehorses helping heroes helping ex-racehorses

Is this you?

Many serving and ex-serving defence personnel and first responders suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress injuries. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for effective and lasting healing.

  • Perhaps you have found the traditional methods available haven’t been the right fit for you.
  • You may have struggled to see sustained positive changes through psychiatry, medication or counselling.
  • Or maybe you simply need a different approach to complement your current coping strategies.
Horse Aid Is This You

We’re here to help you find healing

Horse Aid provides free-of-charge healing horsemanship programs to serving and ex-serving defence personnel and first responders like you—offering our ex-racehorses as partners in your healing journey.

You’ll be taught by highly-qualified and experienced instructors some who have served themselves, and have a deep understanding of the wounds borne by both heroes and the horses after their highly-trained and institutionalised first careers are over.

We don’t need to know why you’re joining us, unless you want to share—we’re just glad that you’re here.

All our programs offer a safe, understanding and supportive environment where your needs are our number one priority.

Working With Ex Racehorses

Working with our Thoroughbred ex-racehorses is a truly transformative experience

When you join us you will:

  • Learn horsemanship skills in our hands-on training, designed by former members of the military and police force to support recovery from trauma.
  • Build trust and connection with ex-racehorses, and experience the satisfaction of helping them get a second chance in life.
  • Enjoy social connection and interaction with other participants who have walked in your boots.
  • Spend time in nature, in a safe and non-judgemental setting, away from your everyday lived experience.

Why is Horsemanship such a powerful and positive pathway for trauma recovery?

Working With Horses

Working with the horses from the ground teaches you about self-control, positive and negative body language, and how to  exude confidence and self-belief.

Relationship With Horses

Building a relationship with a horse as sensitive as our Thoroughbred ex-racehorses from the ground helps you understand and navigate your emotions and focus on the present.

Horse Mirror Human

The horse is a mirror for what is going on within you as you work with them. While we teach the horses, they teach us. You’ll find they are incredible listeners—even when you don’t say a word.

Our programs

One Day Intro Programs

Next dates:
Wed 9 Oct (waitlist)
Wed 13 Nov
2025 to be announced

One Day Program

This program is an ideal introduction to our horsemanship skills training and how working with our ex-racehorses offers a different but impactful approach to mental health support.

It is a low-key stepping stone into our Five Day Residential Program, and an opportunity to see if Horse Aid is a right fit for you. No pressure. No judgement. No expectations.

Limited to 12 participants

  • Times: One day, 9.30am to 3.30pm approx
  • Food: Includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks
  • Accomodation: NA
  • Where: Sutton Forest, NSW
  • Price: Free for serving and ex-serving defence personnel and first responders

Five Day Residential Programs

Next dates:
21 - 25 Oct
25 - 29 Nov
2025 to be announced

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The full experience. The one that changes lives. In a trauma-informed setting, over five days, serving and ex-serving defence personnel and first responders who are grappling with mental health challenges from serving (like yourself) will come together to learn horsemanship skills and harness the healing power of working with horses from the ground.

Join us to discover more peace, presence and connection—away from the stressors of everyday life.

Limited to 12 participants

  • Times: Five days, Monday arrive 10:30am and Friday leave 10:30am
  • Food: Includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and drinks
  • Accomodation: Four nights of accommodation
  • Where: Dixieland Estate, Berrima NSW and work with horses at Heartland, Sutton Forest NSW
  • Price: Free for serving and ex-serving defence personnel and first responders

Have questions? We have answers

Our
Programs

One Day Introductory Program

Five Day Residential Program