From loneliness to addiction, mental health problems to physical disability, we want to help everyone to build their confidence and realise their potential.
We’re constantly adapting our approach to best suit the needs of those who come to us for support. In addition, The Armed Forces Equine Charity also encourages people to live happy and healthy lives, making equine sport and recreation accessible to all, regardless of increased demand for our services, highlighting the vital role the charity plays in helping the nation cope with the current challenges.
Equine Assisted Recovery and Rehabilitation
These programmes support those in recovery or rehabilitation from physical injuries or from anxiety and depression, grief, domestic abuse, addictions and isolation issues. The demand to support this latter group has significantly increased as a result of Covid-19 and the charity knows it has a vital role in helping the nation recover. Rehabilitation programmes deliver support to those rehabilitating from a range of issues.
You can see how Equine Interaction has helped the Armed Forces Community in the UK at Horseback UK. The Armed Forces Equine Charity work in partnership with Horseback UK to help Veterans referred to us by NHS Op Courage.
The RDA is one of the most well known providers of Human and Equine Interaction. Here Clare Balding visits the Equestrian Centre at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a centre which has since become part of the Armed Forces Equine Charity.
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning projects under this programme assist both adults and children. They focus on developing life skills, values and building confidence and character. Current projects help children who have become completely dis-engaged with their regular schooling and those who require special educational or sensory needs.
The Armed Forces Equine Charity’s delivery centre, Tedworth Equestrian, works with children from Icknield School and Wellington Academy with a wide variety of additional educational or behavioural needs, including a number of children from military families who have been required to regularly move around to meet the needs of Service.
Sport & Recreation
We offer affordable and accessible Equine Recreation and Sporting opportunities that contribute to mental and physical health and wellbeing. Our centres sit at the heart military garrisons and stations and provide vital welfare hubs for the communities around them. This wider welfare function is not restricted to equine elated activity. We support the NHS in their delivery of a holistic approach to health and well being and the social prescribing of activities.
Listen to former Army Officer Guy Disney’s interview about the devastating circumstances which resulted in the loss of his leg and his return to horse racing.
Firm Base
We provide appropriate governance and business performance support for our equine delivery centres to help ensure financial viability and legislative compliance. This includes collaboration, standardisation and effective communication across the armed forces equestrian centres and developing relationships with donors, funders, contractors and customers that secure income and investment for the social return we deliver.
Watch how important these centres are to the communities they serve.