In November last year, the Armed Forces Equine Charity (AFEC) delivered a first of it’s kind equine-assisted recovery programme for women veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.
The four-day residential course, held near Tidworth, was developed following consultations with SHEROsMM2, a peer-led network supporting women affected by Military Sexual Trauma (MST). The programme was delivered by a highly experienced Equine Assisted Services team and adapted specifically to meet the needs of MST survivors, with psychological safety and choice at its core.
Participants attended in a small, peer support group and were guided throughout by trained health professionals, equine specialists, and support staff. Activities included groundwork with horses, optional ridden sessions, trauma education, mindfulness practices, and group reflection.
Horses played a central role in the programme. Through calm, non-judgemental interaction, participants were supported to develop present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and a renewed sense of trust and safety.
One participant reflected:
“I didn’t realise how much trauma I was holding onto — I felt so safe in the group.”
Another shared:
“No-one in the military ever said thank you for my service. Here, I heard those words for the first time.”
The programme was intentionally run as a pilot, allowing AFEC to adapt sessions in real time based on participant feedback. This learning will inform future delivery and best practice when supporting veterans affected by complex trauma.
AFEC and SHEROsMM2 hope to secure funding to expand this work, enabling further trauma-informed equine-assisted programmes for women veterans across the UK.
