New Service Aims To Support All Riders' Mental Health

The free-to-access scheme has been launched during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week

- Lucy Elder

A new service to support the wellbeing of all riders has been launched as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (18–24 May).

Riders Minds is an online resource and helpline for those of any ability or level, professional or amateur, to find help and support.

It has been founded by eventer Matthew Wright and his wife Victoria, with support from companies, and the British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) as consultants.

Matthew said the aim is to “remove the stigma of speaking out”, to increase awareness, understanding and confidence among all riders.

“Having been in a few dark places in the past, we wanted to give the equestrian community somewhere to get help and someone to talk to,” said Matthew. “By raising the profile of mental health and wellbeing, people will realise they are not on their own and it’s OK not to be OK.”

In a similar way to the BGA’s Grooms Minds and EEA’s Employers Minds services, ridersminds.org offers advice, information on mental health and where to seek help, and stories on others’ mental health journeys.

Funding has allowed access to a free 24/7 confidential helpline.

Liz Daniels, who has been involved in setting up the grooms’, employers’ and riders’ services, told H&H it is important grassroots and amateur riders feel the service is as much for them as it is for professionals.