Last week, as part of the AFEC’s Veterans Active Recovery Programme (VARP), a group of military veterans experiencing homelessness took part in a powerful week of equine-human interaction at Tedworth Park Polo Club, thanks to financial support from the Veterans Foundation. Delivery of the equine and polo elements was provided in partnership with Power of Polo and Polo Biz, as part of AFEC’s wider support model.
Participants — many of whom had never ridden before — developed confidence, teamwork, and emotional resilience through developing partnerships with equines, polo coaching, mindfulness and structured wellbeing activities. The week concluded with a mini tournament showcasing their progress.
“The experience has been extremely special for me and everyone taking part. I would never have believed I’d have been able to do this and spending time with a horse has helped me so much,” said participant Steve. “I want to thank everyone involved for giving us this opportunity to come together as a team and grow in confidence.”
A particularly moving moment occurred on Armistice Day, when the veterans and their ponies stood together in silence for a remembrance service, laying wreaths and poppies to honour fallen comrades.
ALABARÉ, a leading homelessness charity and long-standing AFEC partner provided the participants and highlighted the value of providing a safe learning environment, accommodation and structured recovery activities. Karen Langley, who leads on ALABARÉ’s Boots on the Ground Well-being programme for veterans’, was full of praise for the initiative.
“A lot of our veterans feel a lack of self-worth and having the chance to be part of something like this, and to be challenged to learn something new, boosts their self-esteem and confidence so much. Being back in a team, cheering each other on, making decisions…it’s fabulous to see.”
This collaborative effort demonstrates the strength of AFEC’s integrated support model, the wrap — weaving together wellbeing, housing stability, and purpose-driven activity to help veterans rebuild their futures.
