Mar 1, 2025 3 min read IWD2025

#IWD2025: Equitas Welcomes Sonya McAleer as a Speaker to Accelerate Action

Sonya McAleer pictured at the Equitas Empowering Change Conference at Barberstown Castle Hotel

Equitas is proud to announce that Sonya McAleer, a distinguished equestrian coach, retired showjumper and now a Lifestyle Coach, from Northern Ireland, will be joining our International Women’s Day Online Event as a featured speaker.

📅 Date: 8th March 2025
🕒 Time: 19:30 - 21:30 GMT
🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1234057221369?aff=oddtdtcreator

Theme: #AccelerateAction

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, calls on individuals and organisations worldwide to push for greater gender equality, amplify women's voices, and drive meaningful change. Equitas is committed to this movement, ensuring that women in the equine industry have the support, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Sonya McAleer

Sonya’s journey in the equestrian industry is one of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for mental health awareness. A former top-level showjumper, she built an impressive career before turning her focus towards coaching and mental well-being support within the equestrian community. Her personal experiences with mental health challenges, highlighted a critical gap in support systems for equestrians, leading her to take decisive action.

In 2021, Sonya founded the Irish Equestrian Mental Health Project (IEMHP), creating a vital hub where individuals could seek confidential support and guidance. Under her leadership, the initiative provided counselling, webinars, and workshops, with a core mission to address and reduce the suicide rates within the equestrian industry. Sonya’s work saved lives, strengthened community support, and opened up vital conversations around mental health in equestrian sport.

Though she recently made the difficult decision to close IEMHP, her impact continues to resonate. She remains deeply committed to mental health advocacy and continues to guide equestrians toward appropriate resources and support systems. Sonya’s visionary approach and unwavering passion make her a leading figure in promoting well-being in the industry.

What to Expect from Sonya’s Session

Sonya’s session at the Equitas International Women’s Day Online Event will focus on mental health awareness, community support, and personal resilience. Attendees can expect insights into:

✅ Recognising the importance of mental health in equestrian sport – Why we need to prioritise mental wellbeing within the industry.
✅ Creating safe spaces – How Sonya built a network of support and what we can learn from it.
✅ The reality of balancing elite sport and mental health – Personal reflections from her journey as a competitor and coach.
✅ #AccelerateAction for change – How we can work together to build a healthier, more supportive equestrian industry.

By joining this event live, you will have the opportunity to ask Sonya questions directly and gain insights into mental well-being in the equestrian world.

🔗 Secure your free spot today:

Why Attend the Equitas International Women’s Day Event?

This special event brings together trailblazing women from across the equine and racing industries to share their expertise, experiences, and vision for a more inclusive and supportive future. Whether you are an aspiring professional, an industry leader, or simply passionate about equestrian sport, this event is your chance to engage with some of the most influential voices in the industry.

Join us for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and meaningful conversations. Register now to ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hear from Sonya McAleer and other esteemed speakers.