The horse world is a passionate community and spending time with horses can do wonders for your mental health. However, behind the scenes it can also have the opposite effect. It can be lonely and at times devistating, for both amateur horse owners and equine professionals. It’s crucial to shed light on these issues and explore ways to support ourselves and each other.
Mental Health in Equine Professionals
For many young horse lovers, working with horses is the dream. But it can be a challenging way of life. Many equine professions are self employed and can involve spending a lot of time working on your own. It can be lonely and if you pick up an injury, it can put you out of action with no money coming in.
A recent survey by the British Grooms Association (BGA) revealed that poor working conditions—such as unpaid work, lack of contracts, unsafe environments, and excessive hours—are linked to high levels of anxiety (65%) and depression (55%) among grooms. Additionally, 43% reported experiencing bullying, and 8% faced sexual harassment.
Riders and trainers who rely on competition for their career have extra pressures to contend with. They need to perform, they need to see positive results. This intense competition and pressure to perform can have a negative impact on your mental health, making it harder to perform, creating a vicious cycle. But despite the strain on their mental health, many do not seek support. Studies have shown that only a third of jockeys with symptoms of mental health difficulties had visited a mental health professional, and only one in five trainers had taken steps to access support.
Mental Health in Horse Owners
Horse owners who work outside the equine industry are also at risk of mental health struggles. Owning and looking after horses is hard – and that’s when everything is going well! Most of us have to balance a full time job (to pay for said horse), time throughout the day looking after said horse and on top of that, most of us have partners, families, friends who all need our time and attention. That in itself is hard and can take it’s toll.
On top of this, we have those usual doubts. Why aren’t we progressing in our goals? Why aren’t we as good at everyone else on our yard? Why can’t we ever get a rosette? Am I feeding the right feed? Is my horse getting enough turnout? Is my horse happy? What more could I be doing for my horse? Should I be doing more for my horse? Am I a bad owner?
Then you have the harsh reality of when things go wrong. If you lose your job, the financial struggle can hit hard and you could be left making a hard choice such as having to give up your horse. When your horse picks up an injury, it can be a very long road to recovery that will eat into your time and money and may mean you won’t be able to achieve the goals you had in place. And sometimes the worst happens. An accident or illness means you have to make the hard decision to put your horse to sleep.
This video does a great job of summarising some of the daily struggles in a lighthearted and relateable way!
Recognising the Signs
Changes in our mental health can be slow and subtle. We can often mask them (even from ourselves) by continuing to plow on as usual, throwing ourselves into the hard work that needs to be done. But it is important to keep an eye out for some common signs, both in yourself and in others.
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Irritability or mood swings
- Fatigue or lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
Supporting Yourself & Others
If you have already recognised some of the above symptoms or if you just want to be more proactive, here are some good first steps in supporting mental health.
For Yourself
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear work-life boundaries to prevent burnout.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals or support groups.
- Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
- Stay Connected: Maintain relationships with friends and family to combat feelings of isolation.
For Others
- Open Conversations: Encourage open and non-judgmental discussions about mental health.
- Offer Support: Be available to listen and provide assistance when needed.
- Promote Resources: Share information about mental health resources and support services.
- Foster Inclusivity: Create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Resources for Mental Health Support
Here are some free resources for anyone struggling with their mental health.
Equine Specific:
- British Grooms Association (BGA): Provides information and support for grooms, including mental health resources.
- Riders Minds: Offers mental health support specifically tailored for equestrians.
Other:
- Samaritans: Provides free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or at risk of suicide.
- Mind: Offers information and support for various mental health issues, including guidance on seeking help.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Focuses on preventing male suicide by offering support to men in crisis.
- NHS Mental Health Services: Provides information on accessing mental health services, including self-referral options.
Last Updated on 30/05/2025