From Police Work to Horse Work: Why I Believe Horses Can Change Lives

For as long as I can remember, horses have been my anchor. From the adrenaline of training racehorses to the precision of dressage, horses have shaped my life for over fifty years. They’ve carried me through some of my toughest battles — from post-traumatic stress and anxiety to the everyday pressures of life. They ground me, they reflect me, and they remind me of what really matters: connection, honesty, and presence.

That’s why I’ve dedicated my property in the Swan Valley to a new chapter: working with retired racehorses to help people build resilience, confidence, and clarity.

Why Retired Racehorses?

Many racehorses, once their careers are over, face uncertain futures. Too often they are passed on, traded, or disposed of. I chose a different path. I chose to honour them. My horses live in a safe, trusting environment where their second chapter is one of meaning and impact.

Through our programs, every fee directly supports their care. In turn, they give back in a way no human teacher can: by becoming mirrors for us to see who we really are. Horses respond only to authenticity — not titles, not masks, not excuses. They show us, with honesty and immediacy, how we lead ourselves and connect with others.

Why Horses and Humans Belong Together

In today’s world of constant noise, screens, and disconnection, something vital has been lost. We no longer know how to truly listen — to ourselves, to others, or even to the signals we send through our body language. Horses give that back to us. They demand presence. They respond to clarity. And they remind us that leadership, resilience, and trust are not skills we perform, but qualities we embody.

The Proof: “Say Neigh to Crime”

This isn’t just theory for me. Years ago, when I was serving as a WA Police officer, I piloted a program called “Say Neigh to Crime.” It was aimed at some of the state’s worst recidivist juvenile offenders — young people who had cycled in and out of the justice system, many of whom were considered “too hard” to reach.

The results were outstanding. Working with horses broke down barriers that no lecture, punishment, or threat could. Those young people learned respect, patience, and self-control — not because we told them to, but because the horses showed them the consequences of their actions in real time. Horses don’t lie, they don’t judge, and they don’t care about reputations. They care about trust and consistency. For many of those kids, it was the first time they had experienced that kind of honest feedback in a safe space.

Why This Work Matters Today

Whether you are an executive leading a team, someone rebuilding after trauma, or simply someone struggling to find confidence in yourself, the lessons are the same. Horses don’t just help us cope — they teach us how to live, lead, and connect in a stronger, more authentic way.

That is the heart of Gallop to Greatness. It’s not therapy. It’s not fluffy. It’s bold, grounded work with animals who see through everything except the truth of who we are.

And that’s why I believe horses can change lives — because they’ve changed mine.

My boy Ding