What is RSL Life Care? Find out

Spur Ranch Equine Program

Make an enquiry

About the Program

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)

 

2024 Course Dates

2-day Western Handlers Course:

  • 1-2 Feb
  • 7-8 March
  • 27-28 March
  • 3-4 April

4-day Western Riding Fundamentals course:

  • 18-21 March
  • 8-11 April

Please note, you will need to complete the 2-day course to be eligible for additional courses.

View Events

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

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 enquiry

5-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 and Mustering

Put the skills you’ve learned to the ultimate test.

For those interested, our courses build to the trek and cattle mustering experience. 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 enquiry

Ceremonial 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.

Make an enquiry

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

 

Find out more
  • 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.

It has been a long road and my advocate has done well with my claims so far...your employees do make a difference, thank you.

Stewart

The team did a great job in looking after my claim. I am most appreciative of the service you provide. Thank you.

Shaun

I am extraordinarily grateful to the organisation.

Guy

My claims advisor went above and beyond to help me with the DVA claims process. He was so kind and approachable and immediately came up with a plan to help me with my transition from Defence.

Samantha

So very thankful for all of the help I have received with my appeal, and the outcome.

Wayne

Thank you so much. Your staff are professional and your service and support invaluable.

Jacki

I cannot say thank you enough for the help and support I have received.

Drew

Not only efficient but a pleasure to deal with. Thank you for your help.

Robin

A very professional service.

Anne

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

Online enquiry

You can make an enquiry about our services online here.

Enquire now

Download a brochure

We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise

Career Application Single

  • Accepted file types: docx, doc, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Veteran Services

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Are you ready to explore a new operations role with extra benefits?

Take your career in a new direction RSL LifeCare.

Search for an operations role at an RSL LifeCare Residential Aged Care facility in the Southern NSW region. Take a look at all our current positions here.

1. 100% funding on participating certifications

Undertake a participating certification through the RSL LifeCare Earn and Learn Incentive Program1 and you could be eligible to have your learning fully funded.

2. Cash bonus of up to $1000 (less income tax).

Through the RSL LifeCare Sign-on Bonus, you could be eligible for two split payments of $500 (less income tax), when you start a new role with us.

Contact Homes for Heroes today