GROUNDWORK
Tune in. Slow down. Notice what you bring.
GROUNDWORK is an eight-week equine-assisted program for men and boys, building self-awareness, emotional regulation and relational capability through structured experiences alongside horses.
Men and boys wanting to build capacity in how they respond to pressure, frustration, uncertainty and boundaries. No horse experience is needed — the program is predominantly ground-based and is not a riding course.
The aim isn't to control the horse. It's to become more aware of yourself in the interaction.
Notice
Recognise internal state, physiological activation and external cues.
Understand
Build emotional vocabulary and identify recurring patterns.
Regulate
Pause, reduce escalation and choose a response.
Respect
Recognise boundaries, autonomy and the communication of others.
Communicate
Increase clarity — hold both intention and impact in view.
Connect
Build trust, perspective-taking, repair and relational awareness.
- — Not a riding course or horsemanship qualification
- — Not a clinical treatment, unless delivered within a qualified model
- — Not a substitute for a specialist Men's Behaviour Change Program
Where family violence is identified, specialist risk assessment, integrated safety responses and referral remain essential.
GROUNDWORK is working toward delivering at no cost to participants.
Get in contact to find out how you can support this program.
Get in contactGROUNDWORK is delivered from a rare intersection of psychology, specialist family violence practice, justice-sector experience, group facilitation and horsemanship. The program lead holds tertiary qualifications in psychology, is an experienced Specialist Family Violence Practitioner, and is accredited through Horse Safety Australia as an Advanced Riding Instructor and Trail Guide, with a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.
We're seeking delivery, research and funding partners to bring a six-participant pilot to life — testing feasibility, acceptability, safety and measurable change before any expansion.
Start a partnership conversation