Real Voices, Real Change: World Mental Health Day and the Equestrian Community

Two thirds of equestrians who answered a nationwide Irish survey said they had struggled with their mental health, and 88 per cent said more support was needed for equestrians at all levels. This World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10 October, Equitas reminds the community that The Equestrian Mental Health Booklet is free to download and open to everyone.

What the survey found

The figures come from the survey carried out by the HAY "How Are Ya?" Equestrian Mental Health Campaign across levels and disciplines in Ireland, with results made public in January 2024. They describe the people who took part, so they are best read as a clear signal from inside the sport rather than a census of every rider. Read that way, the pattern still stands out. 70% of respondents said they were not aware of the mental health resources and supports available to them, and close to half said they would like an anonymous helpline they could call when struggling.

That gap between need and awareness is where a resource like the booklet earns its place. Support that exists but cannot be found does little for the person mucking out alone at six in the morning, or driving home from a show that went wrong.

Real voices, real change

The World Federation for Mental Health has set this year's global theme as "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change." Its message is that progress in mental health comes from working closely with people who have lived experience, and from giving them a genuine platform to be heard.

The equestrian community knows the value of that. The people who understand the long hours, the money worries, the injuries, the losses and the emotional highs and lows of life with horses are the people living it, and the booklet was built around their voices.

Inside the booklet

Equitas created The Equestrian Mental Health Booklet as part of the HAY campaign, which Shane Rooney and Shane McCarthy launched in January 2023 to raise awareness of good mental health and reduce stigma in the equestrian world. Created with professionals, it is written for riders, trainers and anyone who loves horses, and for anyone supporting someone in the industry. It brings together three things:

• Real stories: people from the equestrian community sharing their own experiences of mental health, grief and recovery.
• Practical tools: coping strategies including mindfulness, breathing techniques and self-care plans.
• Support resources: a list of organisations and helplines for equestrians.

It is aimed at anyone going through a tough time, anyone who feels isolated, and anyone dealing with the pressure, anxiety or grief that can come with equestrian life. It is free to download and accessible to all.

"I can't stress enough, that reaching out is the hardest and bravest thing someone can do," said Shane Rooney, co-founder of the HAY campaign.

Governing bodies are moving in the same direction. In December 2025, British Equestrian and the charity Sport in Mind launched a Mental Health Toolkit for the whole equestrian community, from coaches and volunteers to parents, participants and centre managers, giving riders in Britain a further place to turn.

Three things to do this weekend

Download the booklet and keep it on your phone. Share it in your yard group, club chat or Pony Club WhatsApp, because the person who needs it may be the one least likely to go looking. And ask someone how they are, then wait for the real answer.

If you need support

If you are struggling, or worried about someone at your yard, help is there, and it is free. Reach out to whichever service fits you best.

Right now, in Ireland or the UK

• Samaritans (Ireland and UK): call free, day or night, on 116 123.
• Text About It (Ireland): text HELLO to 50808 for free, anonymous support, 24 hours a day. On 48 or An Post Mobile, text HELLO to 086 180 0280.
• Shout (UK): text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day.
• In an emergency: call 999 or 112.
• Anywhere else in the world: Find A Helpline lists free, confidential helplines by country, by phone, text or online chat, at findahelpline.com.

For the equestrian community

• Riders Minds (UK, with online support internationally): a free, confidential 24/7 helpline for anyone involved in equestrianism. Call 0800 088 2073, text 07729 774 117, or use the live chat at ridersminds.org.
• EQUISS (UK and Ireland): free, confidential, independent safeguarding support for anyone affected by harm, abuse, bullying or misconduct in equestrian sport. Call 08000 308 800 (UK) or +44 8000 308 800 (Ireland), Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, or email helpcentre@equiss.org.uk. EQUISS is Equitas's Safeguarding Partner for the UK and Ireland.
• International Grooms Association: wellbeing and mental health guidance for grooms, at internationalgrooms.org.

For people working in racing

• Industry Assistance Programme, Horse Racing Ireland and Equuip (Ireland): a free, confidential 24/7 helpline for everyone working in Irish thoroughbred racing and breeding, and their immediate families. Call 1800 201 346. Details at equuip.ie.
• Racing Welfare (Britain): a 24-hour support line for people in British racing and breeding. Call 0800 6300 443, or visit racingwelfare.co.uk.
• Racing Mates (New South Wales, Australia): Racing NSW's peer support programme, with trained ambassadors who know the racing world. Visit racingmates.com.au.
• OnTrack (New Zealand): free, confidential and independent support for racing people. Call 0800 667 224, or visit ontrack.org.nz.