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.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
