In loving memory of our heaven herd – our guardian angels who now run free across Fell Timber Farm, silhouettes in the mist, continuing to watch over the herd and all who visit their home.

Ali is a certified Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute, and has undertaken advanced training in working with Trauma and Attachment, Anxiety and Depression, Addictions, and Nature-Assisted Learning. Ali is also certified as a coach with the Institute for Executive Coaching and Leadership, and is currently completing a Diploma of Counselling to further expand the services delivered by Helping Hooves.

Ali joined the Australian Army as an officer after finishing year 12, and throughout her 20-year military career she has gained experience leading small teams and managing telecommunications projects in operational theatres, and has extensive instructional experience of various sized groups up to 350 people. For the last ten years Ali has provided mentoring and leadership coaching to Australian Defence Force trainees and instructional staff, both one-on-one and in small groups, which she continues to do at the Australian Defence Force Academy as a Major in the Australian Army Reserve.

Ali has an unfortunate, but valuable, amount of first-hand experience supporting others with mental health challenges, from immediate suicide interventions, through to long term assistance with PTSD, moral injury, anxiety and depression. She has had her own mental health challenges, especially with anxiety, and has also navigated the uncomfortable and daunting process of transitioning away from full-time military service, when that was all she knew.

With a new tiny human, Elsie, bringing both an overwhelming joy and new level of fear into her life, Ali is discovering how her boundaries have changed since the arrival of her baby daughter. She is also a loving wife to Greg and supports him with the long-term physical and mental impacts of his own life of Service.

Ali’s horses have helped her through some of her most challenging times, and are her greatest teachers. They have supported her through her own healing and connecting with her authentic self. She is passionate about helping others, and wants to share the gifts that her herd have to offer.

Greg is the number one big human in Ali’s life! With the arrival of Elsie and Edgar, he will primarily be on Daddy Duties, but you will likely see him around the farm, tiny humans in tow, or assisting with some of the group workshops.

Greg has completed his Foundation Training with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute and brings 25 years of leadership experience as an Army officer. He is passionate about helping people meet their personal development and leadership goals and is an advocate of experiential learning.

Greg is fascinated by the realisation that the Greg of ten years ago probably wouldn't recognise the Greg of today! He is here to help and support you as you partner with our horses to learn more about who you are and where you want to go.

Tilt was Ali's heart horse and the special boy who started it all. His impact on Ali's mental health was more than she ever could have imagined and is the reason we do this work today. From 9 incredible years of memories, if one lesson stands out it is the embodiment of Maya Angelou's powerful quote: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Tilt took it one step further - the "knowing better" is an active pursuit, not passively waiting for "better" to find you. Tilty's wisdom will continue to support us, even though he is now free of his aging physical body.