For AJ Trussell, horses have never just been animals – they’ve been a calling, a lifeline, and a legacy. Growing up on a farm in South Australia, AJ spent his childhood by his Pop’s side, learning the art of working with horses. One moment stands out as the beginning of it all: a wild Brumby stallion that even his Pop couldn’t settle.
In a rare moment of frustration, his Pop threw down the lunge whip and stormed out of the round yard. But AJ, just a fearless youngster at the time, crawled under the rail, picked up the whip, and stepped inside. As the stallion bucked and galloped, AJ’s Pop turned around and, with unforeseen fear, ran back to the round yard. But as he opened the gate, the Brumby suddenly stopped and turned toward AJ. So, AJ did what he’d seen his Pop do hundreds of times – he turned away. And in that quiet moment, the stallion walked to AJ and dropped his head on his shoulder. From that moment on, AJ wasn’t just watching – he was always right beside his Pop.
Before his accident in 2021, AJ built a career as a horse whisperer, running his own business breaking and training horses. His days filled with dust, leather and the deep, unspoken understanding that exists between horse and human. Then came the spinal cord injury, and with it, a devastating prognosis: he might never walk again, let alone ride.
But AJ is not one to take “never” for an answer.
Armed with his signature grit and a goal he proudly calls his “BIG ASS HAIRY GOAL,” AJ set his sights on something many wouldn’t even dream of post-injury: representing Australia at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
It was during his time riding at RDA that coach Briony Wallace introduced him to Equine Pathways Australia. Since joining EPA in 2023, AJ says the journey has been nothing short of transformative. “Before my injury, I thought dressage was just rich people showing off their horses,” he laughs. “Now I know it’s one of the most technical, inclusive, and demanding disciplines out there.”
EPA clinics have not only rebuilt AJ’s confidence in the saddle, they’ve expanded his knowledge, honed his skills, and shown him how to navigate his NDIS plan to support his goals. “For a middle-aged man who had never even thought about dressage, I’ve learned more in the last two years than I ever imagined possible,” he says. “It’s not just about the riding. It’s about community, support, and being part of something bigger.”
Being around horses again has brought AJ a profound sense of calm, focus, and strength. “They remind me of where I’ve come from and where I’m going,” he says. “When I’m with them, I feel grounded. I feel connected, to them, to my Pop, and to the future I’m building.”
At 44, AJ shows that it’s never too late to follow a dream, never too difficult to change your path, and no challenge is too great to take on. With Equine Pathways Australia behind him, and the memory of his Pop riding alongside, AJ is charging ahead with purpose toward Brisbane 2032.
