The Armed Forces Equine Charity

Charity Number: 1184971

The Armed Forces Equine Charity is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, serving personnel, and their families, through equine-assisted activities and therapies. The charity harnesses the therapeutic, educational, and recreational benefits of horses to improve physical and mental wellbeing within this community.

Mission and Activities

The charity delivers bespoke programmes that use horses to inspire recovery, promote learning, and provide opportunities for recreation. Its core focus areas include:

• Equine Therapy and Recovery: The organisation provides both physical and mental equine therapy tailored to the individual needs of veterans and serving personnel. This includes comprehensive clinical and non-clinical care pathways aimed at rehabilitation and recovery from injury or trauma.

• Sport and Recreation: The charity facilitates and encourages participation in a broad range of equine sports and recreational activities, expanding on offers available during military service. This includes support for polo and para polo, as well as other equestrian pursuits, making these activities accessible and affordable for the Armed Forces community.

• Support for Equestrian Centres: The charity offers advice, guidance, and financial support to Armed Forces equestrian centres and welfare hubs to ensure sustainability, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Key Partnerships and Recognition

The Armed Forces Equine Charity collaborates extensively with recovery organisations, charities, Regimental and Corps Associations, and the National Health Service (NHS) to deliver its tailored programmes. It has received funding and support from notable partners such as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which highlights the charity's unique care for veterans and its contribution to mental wellbeing through outdoor and equine activities.

In recognition of its impact, the charity won the Ministry of Defence’s Social Value Award for its contributions to environmental conservation and the wellbeing of the Armed Forces community.

Tedworth Park Polo Club

In 2019, the charity acquired Tedworth Park Polo Club (formerly Tidworth Polo Club) to further its mission by promoting access to equine sport and recreation, including polo. The club plays a significant role in delivering affordable equine activities to the Armed Forces community, including support for veterans and para polo players. The charity invests substantially in maintaining the club’s facilities and expanding opportunities for participation.

Impact

Through its multifaceted programmes, the Armed Forces Equine Charity offers vital support and therapeutic pathways that enhance recovery, mental health, physical rehabilitation, and social inclusion among the Armed Forces community. Its work has been featured in various military publications, emphasizing the charity’s role in promoting equine-assisted recovery and wellbeing.

This organisation illustrates the powerful role of horses in supporting the unique needs of those who have served in the UK Armed Forces, bridging the gap between therapy, sport, and community engagement.

[1] https://armedforcesequine.com [2] https://armedforcesequine.com/what-we-do/sport-and-recreation/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1184971&subid=0 [4] https://armybenevolentfund.org/promoting-army-veterans-equine-assisted-recovery/ [5] https://tedworthparkpolo.com/the-armed-forces-equine-charity/