Equine Healing Program for ADF Members & Veterans
Equine Healing has proven health benefits for individuals experiencing mental health issues
such as depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Course attendees (with the support of our equine team) work through a range of practical interactions such as grooming, feeding and groundwork exercises with our horses. By allowing participants to connect and care for our beautiful horses they gain the trust and respect of the horse, and in turn for themselves instilling confidence and self-worth.
This program is available to Veterans/Ex-Serving under the DVA Psychosocial Program.
Please contact your DVA Approved Rehab Provider
THE BENEFITS
The programs outcome is to:
• Improve the mental and physical condition
of the client
• Improve the sense of well-being and the development
of alertness
• Co-ordination improvement
• Boost to the cardiovascular system
• Stimulation of the hormone Serotonin...It’s a natural mood
enhancer. Which leads to better moods becoming mentally in
tuned with the environment, surroundings, and other clients.
Physiological outcomes are:
• Get moving and motivated
• Set a goal that will make you get out of bed each day
• Self-regulating the nervous system
• Connecting with others – family, friends, service.
organisations, work colleges
• Taking care of your body – cut out smoking, reduce
alcohol intake, and exercise
• Dealing with flash backs etc.
• Working through survival guilt
• Seeking professional help
EQUINE ASSISTED
Daily Program
Pre-Program requirements:
• Wide brimmed hat
• Sunscreen supplied
• Work boots (must be closed toe)
• Sun safety – long pants and long sleeve shirt
• Water
• 8am start - Each day starts with a safety brief
• 9.30am morning tea (30 mins)
• 11.30am lunch (30 mins)
• 2pm finish
• Morning tea and lunch – fridge on site.
Day 1
• Induction – Safety
• Overview of the 4-day Program
• Todays program
• Complete intake form
• Experience of the group
• General horse safety
and anatomy briefing
• Horse interaction and
reward system
• Basic approaching and
catching and tying up
a horse
• Talking to a horse
• Horse security
• Check surroundings
• Putting on halter & rope
• Hitching your horse
• Touching/patting horse
• Brushing down
• Horse body language
• Horse language
• Feeding and watering
• Flexing your horse
• Leg flex’s
• Horse nutrition basics
• Today’s program
• Pen health
• Basic knots
Day 2
• Induction – Safety
• Day 1 revision
• Catching your horse
• Talking to a horse
• Horse security
• Halter and lead rope
• Putting on halter
and rope
• Hitching your horse
• Basic knots
• Touching/patting horse
• Brushing down
• Horse body language
• Horse language
• Tick checking
• Flexing your horse
• Leg flex’s
• Feeding and watering
• Basic grooming
• Picking up feet
• Horse observation
• Learn to lead and walk
the horse
• Basic downtime with the
horse – one-on-one
bonding
• Rope tying races
• Horse treats
Day 3
• Induction – Safety
• Day 1 & 2 revision
• Catching your horse
• Talking to a horse
• Horse security
• Halter and lead rope
• Putting on halter
and rope
• Hitching your horse
• Basic knots
• Touching/patting horse
• Brushing down
• Hoof cleaning
• Horse body language
• Horse language
• Flexing your horse
• Leg flex’s
• Feeding and watering
• Basic grooming
• Picking up feet
• Horse observation
• Teach your horse to
move away from
pressure
• Safe Horse
manoeuvring
• Basic downtime with
the horse – one-on-one
bonding
• Bridle a horse
• Polaroid photo
(a memento of the
program to take with
them)
Day 4
• Induction – Safety
• Day 1, 2 & 3 revision
• Catching your horse
• Talking to a horse
• Horse security
• Halter and lead rope
• Putting on halter
and rope
• Hitching your horse
• Basic knots
• Touching/patting horse
• Brushing down
• Horse body language
• Horse language
• Flexing your horse
• Leg flex’s
• Feeding and watering
• BBQ lunch
• Basic grooming
• Picking up feet
• Horse observation
• Teach your horse to
move away from
pressure
• Safe Horse
manoeuvring
• Basic downtime with
the horse – one-on-one
bonding
• Bridle a horse
• Sausage sizzle lunch
• Complete survey
who show the aptitude as possible horse handlers to attend a future riding program.
TO BOOK
Once you have your referral/approval, here are the next steps:
1. Fill in the Booking Form below
2. Nominate the preferred 4 Days that suits you
3 . Upload your referral/approval
4. We will contact you to confirm your days.
What our clients say
"Wounded Heroes Australia is one of the organisations that can help us out once we have transitioned or while we're currently serving in Defence. I found the equine program extremely beneficial.”
Michael - recently retired Veteran
"I got to hang out with the horses and bond with them. You become very close to them during the course. I wasn't 100% certain before I did the course, but once you put yourself out there, it's well worth it."
Brendan - recovering Soldier/Veteran
“Looking after another creature is very rewarding, and a 500kg horse certainly demands your respect. The course was brought to my attention through the Soldier Recovery Centre and I heard about the healing benefits that is can have for soldiers with PTSD and other mental health illnesses."
Hayden - recovering Solider/Veteran
“These Horses gave me a chance to de-stress and unwind from everything that had been making my life an absolute hell without judgment."
Anonymous - retired Veteran
MAJOR SPONSOR - JAMES FRIZELLE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to making a significant impact in the community through targeted charitable contributions. Established by James Frizelle, a successful businessman with deep roots in Queensland, the Foundation focuses on supporting causes that improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals and communities. Its primary areas of focus include healthcare, education, and social welfare, with an emphasis on helping those who are most vulnerable.
The Foundation works closely with a range of non-profit organizations, providing essential funding to initiatives that align with its mission to foster positive social change.
For more information - jamesfrizelle.org.au
Crisis Hotline
1300 532 112
If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty with everyday life and would like to be part of our program, please reach out and contact us for more information on 1300 532 112 or complete our online form below.
Enquire about Horses 4 Heroes
Meet our horses
Finigale
Finigale
Age 18
Thoroughbred Chestnut mare, ex-racehorse. I have a lovely temperament and I’m 2nd in charge of the herd. My bestie is the Queen of the herd, her name is Over Friendly and treats me as her equal…we’ve lived at Horses 4 Heroes for 3 years.
Over Friendly
Over Friendly
Age 18
Thoroughbred Bay mare, ex-racehorse. I’m the Queen of the herd, I have been told I have an easy-going nature and I treat all the horses here equally. I don’t like to stray too far from Finagle “Did you know we grew up together…”.
Bob
Bob
Age 22
Standard Bay gelding. I look older than I am but don’t let that fool you, I’m a gentleman and a rogue.
Casper
Casper
Age 24
Tan/Chestnut gelding. Are you looking at me? (Eyelash flutter), I’m a very gentle soul and love to play…catch me if you can, seriously try catch me!
Cruiser
Cruiser
Age 16
Standard Black gelding. I was the King of the herd until those mares arrived, to be honest It’s a little frustrating. People say I come across as standoffish, but deep down I’m a misunderstood sook.
Lex
Lex
Age 23
Standard Dark Bay gelding. I’m the tallest in the herd (hands down…get it) and a real gentle giant…. watch your toes!
Louie
Louie
Age 25
Standard Bay gelding. I’m a little grey in places from a previously bad case of Queensland Itch, but Gary the Equine manager (and best human in the world) fixed it up, so now I don’t have it anymore…feel free to pat away, often if you must!
Prince
Prince
Age 22
Thoroughbred Bay gelding. Gentle by nature “As my name suggests I’m the most handsome one, watch my mane flow in the summer breeze, and groom it often please”.
Rob
Rob
Age 14
Thoroughbred Bay Gelding. Beautiful by nature, loves kisses given, taken, or stolen from you.
Meet our Equine Manager - Gary Whitaker
Gary Whitaker is a seasoned professional in the horse industry with over 30 years of experience. Currently, Gary is the Equine Manager for Wounded Heroes where he oversees all aspects of horse training and management.
Gary’s career spans various facets of the horse industry, including breeding (serving mares and foaling down), racing (riding track work), yearling sale preparation, breaking in, and training and driving harness racing horses.
His comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience make him a versatile and invaluable mentor to any willing participant.
He gained valuable experience and knowledge from stud master, Mark while at Egmont Park Stud based at Biddeston on the Darling Downs. He has managed his own stables, trained many winners and, driven 1316 winners to date, including 2 Group 1’s.
Gary gained his harness racing trainers and drivers licence in the 1997-98 season. His best season was the 2014-15 season where he drove a total of 108 winners, and 213 placings from a total of 1020 drives.
Gary believes in a holistic approach to horse training, focusing on the well-being and development of each horse. His dedication to ethical practices and continuous learning has earned him respect and recognition in the industry.
Throughout his career, Gary has achieved numerous milestones, including representing Queensland in the Junior driver’s championship in 2001.
Outside of his professional life, Gary enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, wood work, and mentoring young enthusiasts in the industry. Gary’s daughter, Lara, drives in mini trotting races with her pony Chuck Norris, currently Australia’s champion midget.
