The Armed Forces Equine Charity (AFEC) has successfully delivered a Veterans Active Recovery Programme (VARP) in partnership with HorseBack UK at Shrivenham Equestrian Centre (SEC).
Held over three days, the residential programme brought together veterans from across the Armed Forces Community to explore positive approaches to managing stress, anxiety and the challenges of life after service. Each day focused on a different wellbeing theme followed by a groundwork-based Equine Assisted Services (EAS) session to reinforce learning. Each lesson was conducted at a pace suited to the participants needs and allowed ample time for information assimilation and the development of the human-equine bond that has been proven to increase an individual’s wellbeing.
Each wellbeing session is designed to provide practical tools veterans can continue using at home. Breathwork exercises, mindfulness-based archery, wellbeing walks and photography for mindfulness encouraged participants to slow down, remain present and reconnect with the world around them. These activities helped reinforce grounding techniques and offered simple, accessible strategies that veterans can integrate into everyday life long after the programme has ended.
A key element of the programme is to help veterans understand that recovery does not end when a programme finishes. Throughout the week AFEC’s Health and Wellbeing Lead introduced participants to a range of partner charities and organisations that could support their continued journey. These included the Invictus Games Foundation, Turn to Starboard, Climb2Recovery, the Defence Gardens Scheme and a range of health and wellbeing resources including HeadFIT, Hub of Hope and NHS wellbeing services. Veterans were offered warm introductions, ensuring they left the programme with clear pathways to further support.
For many veterans, one of the most valuable aspects of the week was the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. The programme created space for informal conversations and mutual support, helping participants rebuild confidence and reduce feelings of isolation. Combined with the unique partnership formed with the horses, the programme demonstrated the powerful role that connection, routine and shared experience can play in supporting long term recovery and wellbeing.
Participant feedback highlighted the positive impact of the programme:
“I’ve enjoyed the whole week and learned that I have some control back. I found reconnecting with humans and horses and having a minute out of chaotic life the most beneficial. It’s given me hope and confidence to take more care of myself so I can be the best version of me. I now can feel chilled, relaxed, looked after, and connected again.”
— Veteran, RAF
“I was very nervous and felt closed off when I arrived, but the instructors immediately put me at ease. I’m amazed at how quickly I was able to let my guard down and thoroughly enjoyed my time with the horses and feel very lucky I was with such a supportive group of people. The horses were so lovely and helped build my confidence.”
— Veteran, Royal Navy
“The experience has been outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed the ability to interact with and learn about horses and their psychological impact on my health along with the benefits of being around other veterans. I found the support of people I didn’t know but are going through similar situations most beneficial.”
— Veteran, Army
The programme concluded with all participants reporting positive outcomes and a desire to continue engaging in therapeutic and wellbeing-focused activities involving horses.
One of AFEC’s programme’s greatest strengths is the support available beyond the residential element of the programme. Through partnerships with HorseBack UK and a network of veteran-focused organisations, beneficiaries leave with practical wellbeing strategies, new connections and clear opportunities to continue their personal recovery journeys.
