At Wounded Heroes Australia, we understand that healing takes more than time - it takes trust, connection, and community. That’s why our Horses4Heroes Equine Healing Program is one of the most meaningful initiatives we offer. And with the unwavering support of Total Veteran Health, our long-time major sponsor, we’ve been able to expand this transformative program and reach even more of the veterans and families who need it most.
This isn’t just about sponsorship - it’s about a shared vision. A vision where every Australian veteran has the chance to heal, reconnect, and rediscover purpose after service.
Why Horses? Why Now?
The Horses4Heroes program is built on the therapeutic power of human-animal connection. Horses, by nature, are intuitive, sensitive, and non-judgemental. For veterans coping with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, the act of caring for and working with horses offers an outlet for healing that words alone often cannot reach.
Each session is designed to promote:
- Emotional regulation and mindfulness
- Confidence building through non-verbal communication
- Trust and relationship repair
- Stress reduction and grounding
Participants don’t need prior experience with horses - only a willingness to engage, listen, and take part in a safe, structured environment guided by qualified facilitators.
A Program Rooted in Purpose
Held at our tranquil barn in Wacol, Queensland, Horses4Heroes runs weekly sessions for current and former ADF members. The program is fully funded for veterans thanks to our partnership with Total Veteran Health, who recognise the deep mental health needs within this community and have chosen to invest in solutions that go beyond the clinic walls.
Our schedule prioritises structure, safety and dignity:
- 8:00am - Day begins with a group safety brief
- 9:30am - Morning tea (30 mins)
- 11:30am - Lunch break (30 mins)
- 2:00pm - Program concludes for the day
Participants are asked to come prepared with:
- Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a wide-brimmed hat (sun safety is key)
- Work boots (closed-toe mandatory)
- Plenty of water (hydration is essential)
- Their best self even if they’re not feeling at their best
There’s a fridge onsite for morning tea and lunch storage, and plenty of shade and support to make every visit feel like home.
Total Veteran Health: More Than a Sponsor
What sets Total Veteran Health apart is their whole-person, veteran-first approach to care. They don’t just treat symptoms - they support the entire journey.
Operating from their flagship clinic in Bowen Hills and backed by a national telehealth network, they provide:
- Veteran-specific GPs and mental health specialists
- Coordinated care plans for chronic conditions
- Holistic therapies including psychology, psychiatry, and pain management
- Outreach clinics co-located with veteran hubs
- Even creative therapies like music, art and - you guessed it - equine healing
The alignment with Wounded Heroes Australia is clear: we both believe in breaking down barriers to access, responding rapidly in moments of need, and wrapping services around the veteran, not the other way around.
Partnership in Action: Lives Changed, Futures Reclaimed
Since Total Veteran Health joined us as a major sponsor, the results have been nothing short of remarkable. Their financial support has allowed us to:
- Expand the Horses4Heroes program to accommodate more veterans
- Provide consistent, trauma-informed facilitation by experienced equine therapists
- Integrate clinical referrals and support for veterans needing additional mental health care
- Offer ongoing participation for those who benefit from long-term equine interaction
And because the program is offered at no cost to veterans, no one is excluded due to financial hardship.
We’ve seen participants:
- Reconnect with estranged family members
- Reduce reliance on medications
- Develop the confidence to pursue new employment or study opportunities
- Simply smile again - sometimes for the first time in years
A Future Built on Hope and Healing
As we look ahead, Wounded Heroes Australia and Total Veteran Health are working on even more integrated initiatives. In 2025 and beyond, we aim to:
- Launch transition-focused equine programs for veterans exiting the ADF
- Host open wellness days for families of veterans to experience the program together
- Provide targeted outreach to rural and remote veterans through pop-up clinics and transport support
- Train more facilitators with lived military experience, enhancing relatability and trust
This program isn’t just healing individuals - it’s strengthening families, rebuilding communities, and showing veterans that they’re not alone.
From One Veteran to Another
Both Wounded Heroes and Total Veteran Health are led by people who understand the path - because they’ve walked it too. Our staff includes veterans, Defence partners, and first responders who bring authenticity, compassion, and cultural understanding to every interaction.
When a veteran arrives at the barn for their first session, they’re often carrying more than just physical fatigue. They may be holding onto years of trauma, grief, or identity loss. But when they leave, dust covered, sun-kissed, and perhaps just a little more open - they take with them a piece of something they thought was lost hope.
A Sincere Thank You
To Total Veteran Health: your belief in this program, your unwavering financial backing, and your shared mission have made all the difference. You’ve helped transform a paddock with horses into a sanctuary for healing. And for that, we - and the hundreds of veterans who’ve found solace here - are endlessly grateful.
Get Involved
The Horses4Heroes program is only possible because of generous supporters and community advocates. Want to help?
- Donate to Wounded Heroes Australia - your gift helps us continue offering free healing programs to veterans in need.
- Refer a Veteran - if someone you know could benefit, let them know about Horses4Heroes.
- Spread the Word - talk about equine therapy, share our stories, and fight the stigma around mental health.
- Volunteer - if you have time, skills, or simply a willingness to help, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we’re not just supporting veterans. We’re walking beside them - one hoofbeat at a time.
Visit www.totalveteranhealthcare.com to learn more about our partner, or head to www.woundedheroes.org.au to support the Horses4Heroes program today.
