your veterans services
About the Program
Working with horses is a meaningful and healing experience.
The Spur Equine Program has been developed with wellbeing and recovery as core elements and the team are committed to helping participants enjoy and challenge themselves.
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- Designed by veterans for veterans to promote wellbeing and recovery
- Have fun and challenge yourself
- Enjoy social connection and interaction with other course attendees
- Located at Spur Ranch, Picton (co-located at RSL LifeCare’s John Goodlet Manor)
Upcoming courses
and events
Take a look at the upcoming courses and events available through RSL LifeCare Veteran Services and our partners.
View EventsCourses and treks we offer
Courses and treks we offer have been developed with wellbeing and recovery as core elements .The Spur team are committed to helping participants enjoy and challenge themselves.
2-day Western horse
handler’s course
Our entry level course introduces you to the basics of horse welfare, as well as their nutrition and health needs.
You will take part in a series of activities to develop your skills and level of comfort interacting with horses.
Activities during the course include:
- Catching, haltering and tying up a horse
- Handling and educating a horse
- Joining up
- Leading
- Tack and its use
Accommodation is available for participants.
Make an enquiry
4-day Western riding – Fundamentals
Get to know the basics of riding and prepare for the 5-day riding intensive.
Activities during the course include:
- Fundamentals of Western riding
- Flatwork
- Trail riding
- Safety controlling a difficult horse
Accommodation is available for participants.
Make an enquiry5-day Western trail riding
The five-day trail ride is a combination of skills learned in the arena and on trails that simulate trek riding conditions.
This course is designed to raise the skill level of riders, preparing them for our mountain trek.
Accommodation is provided for this course.
Make an enquiry
Horse Trek
Imagine 5 days riding through the Snowy Mountains.
It is exhilarating and challenging but the trail staff and instructors at Spur Ranch will get you through it. It will be an adventure you will never forget.
Make an enquiryCeremonial Troop
A ceremonial honour guard has existed since the early days of RSL LifeCare. This guard was based at the fort located on Bare Island. This guard in their black uniforms with red stripe attended many of the early ceremonial activities of the day.
Today the spirit of that original guard has been recreated.
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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
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- 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.
Get in touch
You can access RSL LifeCare Veteran Services in the following ways.
In Person
At one of our three Veteran Wellbeing Centres, located in Nowra, Shoalhaven, Wagga Wagga, Riverina area, or Hunter Street, Newcastle West.
Find out more
By Phone
The Wellbeing Support team is available via phone 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday to assist you.
Call 02 8088 0388
Download a brochure
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