Strengthening veteran wellbeing through equine-assisted therapy
A message from Soldier On
Soldier On has delivered an equine-assisted therapy program that has provided targeted wellbeing support for veterans, serving personnel and families of veterans.
The program combined interacting with horses, grooming and guided activities with psycho-educational group discussions that focused on key wellbeing challenges including PTSD, depression, anxiety, social isolation and community reintegration.
The program delivered 36 sessions, with approximately 10 participants per session. It was run by qualified equine therapy providers trained in trauma-informed care across 6 locations nationally.
Soldier On received verbal feedback from 92 participants that revealed consistent themes showing the program’s impact. Connection and relationship building emerged strongly, with participants describing meaningful connections with horses, family members and peers. One participant reflected on ‘making a real connection with the horses’, while another spoke about ‘bonding with my son’ and seeing their child relax and enjoy the experience.
Participants consistently reported a sense of calm, safety and reflection, describing the sessions as a ‘safe and comfortable environment’, where they felt ‘calm and grounded’. Many noted the opportunity for reflection, with one participant sharing that the experience allowed them to ‘look at myself differently’ and ‘feel safe to be myself and share openly’.
The program also supported insight and self-awareness, particularly in understanding how emotions and behaviour affect others. Participants reported learning how their emotional state influenced connection, noting that ‘horses respond best when I am open and relaxed’ and that the experience increased awareness of body language, communication and personal impact.
For many, the sessions brought on unexpected emotional processing, with participants commenting: ‘it was healing’, ‘a release of emotions I didn’t expect’, and ‘it allowed me to process things I hadn’t realised I was holding’.
The feedback consistent ly highlighted the importance of supportive and compassionate facilitation. Facilitators were described as ‘kind’, ‘patient’, and ‘non-judgmental’, with participants noting that staff created a strong sense of trust, belonging and psychological safety.
The natural environment also played a key role in outcomes. Being outdoors, away from screens and daily pressures, was described as grounding and restorative. Participants valued the rural settings, describing the combination of nature and horses as calming and conducive to presence and connection.
Overall, the participants were highly satisfied with the program, with strong expressions of gratitude and recommendations for it to continue. Many described the experience as ‘unforgettable’ and called for more sessions to be offered.
Soldier On provided logistical support where needed, including transport and on-site aid, alongside post-session follow-ups to assess outcomes and connect participants with additional Soldier On services or external referrals.
Supported by a Veteran Wellbeing Grant from DVA, this equine-assisted therapy program shows the value of evidence-informed, non-clinical interventions in supporting veteran wellbeing. Soldier On is proud to have delivered a program that strengthened emotional regulation, connection and resilience for participants who may benefit from alternative pathways to support.
