Championing Mental Health Across All Equestrian Disciplines With the Third Annual Equestrian Mental Health Week
As Ireland’s equestrian industry comes together for the third annual Equestrian Mental Health Week, the HAY - How Are Ya? campaign continues its vital mission to prioritise mental health across all levels and disciplines. This groundbreaking initiative, co-created by Shane Rooney and Shane McCarthy and driven by us here at Equitas and the team over at The Grassroots Gazette, has evolved into a powerful force for change in the equestrian world.
Launching next week, Equestrian Mental Health Week invites riders, trainers, grooms, breeders, owners, and equestrian enthusiasts of all types and profiles to come together, break down stigma, and open up conversations about mental well-being. Over the past three years, the HAY Campaign has tried to provide a lifeline for equestrians navigating the unique challenges of their industry.
“This campaign is about equestrians of all disciplines and at all levels,” says Shane McCarthy CEO of at Equitas. “Whether you're in the saddle, the stable, or behind the scenes, riding or not riding... mental health matters. Our goal is to ensure that every member of this community that may be struggling knows they’re not alone.”
The week begins with HAY Monday, a reimagining of the third Monday in January—commonly labelled ‘Blue Monday’—as a day of hope and action. The campaign addresses a broad spectrum of challenges highlighted in the Equestrian Mental Health Booklet, which revealed that over 67% of equestrians have faced mental health struggles, and 88% believe more resources and support are needed within the community.
Statistics from disciplines across the industry underscore the urgency of the campaign. For instance:
- 67% of survey respondents reported significant stressors related to financial pressures, competition, and long working hours.
- Performance anxiety and fear of injury are common across high-pressure disciplines like show jumping and eventing.
- Long working hours and feelings of isolation are widely experienced, particularly by yard staff and grooms.
Equestrian Mental Health Week will feature livestreams and special features here at Equitas. Across the year ahead there will be both virtual and in person workshops on resilience, stress management, and coping strategies. Community-led events and meetups are planned, along with social media initiatives like #StressAffectsUsAll, with the aim of sparking conversations and highlighting the shared experiences that connect equestrians from all walks of life.
The campaign’s broader vision long term includes establishing an anonymous helpline, enhancing access to mental health training, and securing long-term support from governing bodies. Across the years tons of high-profile figures, including Rachel Blackmore, Cian O'Connor, Jessica Burke, Henry de Bromhead, and Nina Carberry, have voiced their support, urging equestrians to reach out and check in on one another.
“This is about ensuring no one feels isolated in their struggles,” says McCarthy. “We’re focusing on building a community where everyone—regardless of their discipline or level—has the tools and support they need.”
The third annual Equestrian Mental Health Week is a milestone for the HAY - How Are Ya? campaign, but more importantly as we move forward, the effectiveness of the campaign will be down to the courage, resilience and commitment of Ireland’s equestrian community.
Together, we will rewrite the script—support and strength is the only ending.
