Find Calm After the Call of Duty: An Equine Assisted Path to Healing
For those who have served on the front lines, whether in our countries armed forces or as first responders, the concept of “calm” can feel like a distant memory. The experiences of service—the hypervigilance, the constant stress, and the exposure to trauma—can linger long after the uniform comes off. And has no regard for whether you have suffered from a single incident or the period of your service has simply caught up with you. Traditional therapies can be effective, but for many, a clinical setting feels too sterile or disconnected from your lived experience.
What if the path to a quieter mind wasn’t found in a room, but in the open air, in the silent, powerful presence of a horse?
As an equine-assisted mental health practitioner, and fellow first responder, having served with the NSW mounted police unit, I specialise in working with veterans and first responders. I’ve seen how the very instincts that made you exceptional in your service—the heightened awareness, the ability to read situations in a split second—can become a source of anxiety and restlessness in civilian life. My work is designed to help channel these instincts in a new, healing way, using the unique bond between humans and horses. This is more than just equine-assisted support; it’s a journey back to self.
The Horse: A Battle Buddy with a Difference
Horses are prey animals, and their survival is dependent on their keen awareness of their surroundings. They are masters of non-verbal communication and can sense the slightest shift in human emotion or energy. In many ways, they mirror the hypervigilance that is a hallmark of the veteran and first responder experience. This shared trait creates an immediate, unspoken understanding. A horse doesn’t judge your shaky hand or a startle reflex; it simply responds to it.
Imagine stepping into the paddock. The horse, sensing your guarded posture and heightened state, may initially keep its distance. There’s no expectation to “fix” yourself. The therapy begins in that quiet moment of mutual assessment. As you consciously soften your stance, slow your breathing, and become more present, you will notice the horse’s behaviour shift in response. The horse may take a step closer, offer its head for a soft touch, or simply relax its body. This immediate, tangible feedback is profound. It’s a non-verbal confirmation that your efforts to self-regulate are working, building a new kind of confidence that you can carry with you.
Rebuilding Trust, One Interaction at a Time
The support I can offer you is grounded in hands-on, unmounted activities. And no experience with horse is necessary. I understand that for some of you just being with these large animals can give you anxiety and make you nervous. Our first sessions might not even involve you being that close to one of my horses. Or if you feel more comfortable, we may begin with simple tasks like stroking and grooming. The rhythmic motion of your hand or brush can be deeply meditative, a grounding ritual that brings you back into your body. This sensory experience helps to disengage from the mental noise and constant replaying of past events. It’s a chance to focus on the task at hand and connect with a living being in a non-threatening, peaceful way.
Leading a horse through an obstacle course or simply walking side-by-side with them requires clear, consistent communication—not with words, but with body language and intention. For those of you who have become masters of hiding their emotions, this can be a powerful lesson in authentic self-expression. The horse responds to your true self, forcing a kind of honesty that can be both challenging and liberating. It helps to rebuild trust, not just with the animal, but with yourself and with the idea of connecting to others. This process is at the heart of effective mental health support.
Beyond the Paddock: Lasting Resilience
The skills and insights gained by working with me and my horses are designed to create lasting change. My purpose is to provide you with tools for resilience in a world that can feel overwhelming. You will learn to better recognise your signs of internal distress and apply grounding techniques learned with your equine partner. Together we will help you discover the power of your own calm presence to influence your environment. The relationship built on trust with a large animal can be a powerful antidote to feelings of helplessness and isolation.
For many, the physical and emotional scars of service can lead to a sense of being perpetually on guard. Equine-assisted therapy offers a safe space to lower that guard and experience a different kind of connection—one built on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. It’s a chance to remember the strength that lies not in force or control, but in empathy, connection, and gentle leadership.
If you are a veteran or first responder seeking a new approach to finding peace, I encourage you to consider this unique path. I offer you a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can work through the invisible wounds of service and begin to heal. The journey to a quieter mind and a more connected heart is just a step away, in the beautiful and peaceful Illawarra, with a horse ready to walk with you.
Reach out to learn more about how equine-assisted mental health therapy can help you find your way back to a life with purpose.
Contact me on via email or mobile and together we can bring some calm to your life.
