Horse is a former SASR operator, military dog handler and advocate based in Australia.

Today on the podcast, I had the privilege of talking with Horse about his time in the SASR, his work with military dogs, and his involvement in the documentary Bravery and Betrayal.

Horse and I discuss his pathway from a young boy who found safety and connection with animals, to becoming part of Australia’s Special Forces and helping build a military dog capability.

His love and respect for animals is at the heart of this conversation. Horse shares what it meant to serve alongside dogs in Afghanistan, the bond between handler and dog, and why bringing those dogs home mattered so deeply.

We also talk about trauma, PTSD, mental health, institutional support, and why Horse believes trauma should be treated as an injury rather than a disorder.

This is part one of a powerful conversation about service, loyalty, survival, dogs, veterans, first responders and the impact of life after war.