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Working with horses is a meaningful and healing experience.
The Spur Ranch Equine Program has been developed with wellbeing and recovery as core elements and the team are committed to helping participants enjoy and challenge themselves.
- Designed by veterans for veterans to promote wellbeing and recovery
- Have fun and challenge yourself
- Enjoy social connection and interaction with other attendees
- Located at Spur Ranch, Picton (co-located at RSL LifeCare’s John Goodlet Manor)
2026 Course Dates
2-day Western Handlers Course:
- 14-15 January 2026
- 8-9 April 2026
- 3-4 June 2026
4-day Western Riding Fundamentals Course:
- 2-5 February 2026
- 29 June – 02 July 2026
Please note, you will need to complete the 2-day course to be eligible for additional courses.
Courses and treks we offer
Courses and treks we offer have been developed with wellbeing and recovery as core elements. The Spur Ranch team are committed to helping participants enjoy and challenge themselves.
2-day Western horse
handler’s course
A hands-on introduction to horse care and handling, designed to build confidence and connection before riding.
The two-day course is a hands-on introduction to horse handling, designed to build your confidence and connection with the horses.
Whether you’re new to horses or returning to the saddle, this course offers a calm and purposeful way to engage with horses. You will learn all the skills required to safely jump into the saddle and move onto the four-day western riding fundamentals.
Whether you’re new to horses or returning to the saddle, this course offers a calm and purposeful way to engage with horses.
Activities include:
- Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
- Foundational handling and safety skills
- Horse care and welfare basics
- Catching, haltering, and tying up
- Leading and joining up
- Tack and its uses
Our supportive team will guide you through each step, helping you build trust and comfort with your horse.
Accommodation available, spaces are limited.
4-day Western riding – Fundamentals
Step into the world of Western riding with this immersive four-day experience.
Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, this course builds on the groundwork from the handler’s course.
Activities include:
- Fundamentals of Western horsemanship
- Arena riding and obstacle course
- Safety and control techniques
- Horse care and tack use
Learn to ride with confidence and control, supported by experienced instructors who prioritise safety and progress.
Accommodation available, spaces are limited.
5-day Cattle Muster Preparation
Get saddle-ready for the real deal. This five-day course prepares you and your horse for the full muster experience, combining practical skills with teamwork and time in the saddle.
Focus areas include:
- Foundational cattle work
- Mustering formations and techniques
- Saddle time and horse preparation
- Camping readiness with your horse
Build the confidence and capability needed for a week away that you will never forget.
Accommodation available, spaces are limited.
Cattle Muster Experience
An immersive week of horsemanship, teamwork, and rural life.
Set on working cattle properties, this experience brings together everything you’ve learned in previous courses.
What to expect:
- Authentic mustering operations
- Camping with horses
- Guidance from seasoned horsemen
- Deep connection with your horse
- Real-world teamwork in muster conditions
This is more than just riding, it’s a deep dive into the rhythm of the land, the bond between rider and horse, and the camaraderie of the team.
Ceremonial Troop
Honouring Legacy. Preserving History.
Spur Ranch pays tribute to Australia’s mounted forces through ceremonial participation and storytelling.
The troop honours:
- The Light Horse regiments
- The riderless horse symbolising the fallen
- Our pony in the medical cart, representing the care and resilience of wartime nurses and medics
This living tribute connects past service with the support Spur provides to veterans today.
Volunteering at Spur Ranch
We know that our volunteers make a difference to the lives of veterans and their families who participate in our courses and treks.
Here are some ways that volunteering at RSL LifeCare’s Spur Ranch can be beneficial:
Supporting veterans
You’re helping improve the lives of the veterans and their families that take part in our courses and treks
Improved health and wellbeing
Studies have shown that volunteering can have a positive impact on both your mood and physical health
Improve your employability
Did you know volunteering is an excellent way to boost your career prospects? It helps you create a positive impression, can make you more innovative and creative, and gives you a range of useful skills.
Download a brochure
We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise
Career Application Single
Ready to make a decision
but not sure where to start?
We can help.
-
27 Retirement Living Villages across NSW & ACT
-
29 Residential Care homes across NSW & ACT
-
22 Home Care service locations across NSW & ACT
-
9 Dedicated Veteran & Family Hubs, offering free support for veterans
Ready to make a decision
but not sure where to start?
We can help.
-
27 Retirement Living Villages across NSW & ACT
-
29 Residential Care homes across NSW & ACT
-
22 Home Care service locations across NSW & ACT
-
9 Dedicated Veteran & Family Hubs, offering free support for veterans
Contact us today
Our friendly and caring team are ready to help you make a confident decision, and live your best life!