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.
Denne historien er fra May 21, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 21, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
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'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
