Jun 24, 2025 2 min read The Equestrian Mental Health Booklet

What Now: Building a Culture That Protects, Not Just Performs

Over the past year, we’ve laid out the realities:

The equestrian industry is experiencing a persistent, under-addressed mental health crisis.
Some countries and organisations are building support systems.
Many are still not showing up when it matters most.

So where do we go from here?

This final article is not just a reflection. It’s a roadmap. Because real change doesn’t come from awareness alone—it comes from structure, accountability, and a long-term plan.

What does real progress look like?

1. Consistent, visible mental health support

Mental health resources should be present in everyday professional spaces—not hidden or crisis-only.

Mental health hubs at events.
Clear protocols in yards, shows, and workplaces.
Peer support that doesn’t rely on luck or silence.

2. Training and education for all levels

Mental health training should be standard—not specialist.

Tailored programmes for different roles and responsibilities.
Basic mental health first aid knowledge available across the industry.
Empowerment through information, not overwhelm.

3. Culturally competent care and access

Professionals need support that understands the industry context.

Services should speak the language of equestrian life.
Access must be equal, regardless of discipline, location, or profile.
Digital hubs and 24/7 signposting must become standard.

What Equitas Is Doing

As part of the HAY Campaign, Equitas has made a clear set of commitments. These are not aspirations—they are active, measurable initiatives built with industry professionals and mental health experts.

✅ Educational Content

Launching a dedicated section on Equitas.ie focused on equestrian mental health.
Publishing professional articles, interviews, and infographics.
Addressing issues including stress, burnout, and suicide—particularly among women in the equine world.

✅ Online Workshops & Webinars

Hosting live sessions on stress, resilience, and mental health tools.
Partnering with psychologists, athletes, and industry professionals.
Facilitating trauma-informed spaces for real discussion.

Launching campaigns that move beyond awareness into action—particularly during key periods like Suicide Prevention Day and Mental Health Awareness Week.
Sharing lived experience stories, tools, and signposting resources.

✅ Partnerships & Collaborations

Working with national and international mental health bodies.
Translating resources and support into equine-specific environments.
Extending access beyond racing, across disciplines and regions.

✅ Training & Awards

Promoting mental health first aid training via accredited programmes (e.g. Jigsaw, Mental Health First Aid Ireland).
Recognising individuals and organisations advancing mental wellness.
Sharing success stories to shift culture.

✅ Long-Term Vision

Creating an online support forum where equine professionals can connect, share, and support each other.
Developing the Equestrian Mental Health Booklet into a live, centralised resource hub for all sectors of the industry.

This is not just talk. It’s structure. And it’s available now.

Equitas has already launched the Equestrian Mental Health Booklet—a free, practical guide to recognising, responding to, and protecting mental health across equestrian life. Download and share it at www.equitas.ie

Culture change in equestrian sport will not come from crisis response alone. It comes from brave leadership, steady strategy, and community that refuses to look away.

We have the tools. We have the proof. And now, we move.