The Armed Forces Equine Charity has successfully delivered a trauma-informed equine recovery programme for female veterans at Tedworth Equestrian Centre, bringing together specialist partners to provide structured support in a safe and supportive environment.
Building on the pilot programme delivered in November 2025, the residential course combined equine-assisted learning, wellbeing activities, and peer support opportunities designed to support confidence, emotional awareness, communication, and self-regulation. Participants were encouraged to progress at their own pace within a calm and structured setting.
Veterans from all three services attended the programme, one indirect beneficiary also attended in a supportive capacity, highlighting the wider impact specialist recovery programmes can have.
Participants engaged in a range of activities including horse care, groundwork, riding, mindfulness-based activities, and outdoor therapeutic sessions. Feedback from the course highlighted the value of creating safe spaces where participants felt respected, supported, and able to reconnect with themselves and others through shared experiences.
One participant said:
“The course was fantastic! I learned a lot that I can adopt to slow down, stop, and say no in an informed way. I loved that the horses were so calm and gentle allowing me to trust again.”
Another participant commented:
“Very enlightening and informative. Fabulous experience, riding was so calming and a wonderful experience. Felt blessed.”
“This programme was coordinated by the Armed Forces Equine Charity, in partnership with SHEROsMM2 and Gul Outdoor Therapy, providing specialist, trauma-informed support to female veterans. Funded through the Veterans’ Active Recovery Programme.”
A spokesperson from SHEROsMM2 said:
“Collaboration is central to this work. By working together, we are able to provide more holistic support and create an environment where participants feel safe, respected and supported.”
The Armed Forces Equine Charity and partners remain committed to developing specialist programmes that support the wellbeing and recovery of female veterans.Bottom of Form
