Mental Health Awareness Week,in May saw the launch of Riders Minds, a bespoke, comprehensive, online resource dedicated to supporting and improving the mental health of people inn the equestrian world
Founded by 5* event rider Matthew Wright and his wife Victoria, Matthew has openly shared his own mental ill health struggles.
Matthew said, “The objective of Riders Minds is to remove the stigma of speaking out by increasing mental health awareness, understanding, and confidence amongst all riders from grassroots through to professionals.
“Having been in a few dark places myself in the past we wanted to give the wider equestrian community somewhere to get help and someone to talk to. By raising the profile of mental health and well-being people will realise they are not on their own and that it is okay not to be okay.”
In addition to equipping individuals with skills for good mental health and managing life’s ups and downs and pressures, Riders Minds also offers a free confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, sponsored by TheraPlate.
Riders Minds has been generously sponsored by TheraPlate, Baileys Horse Feeds, Bates Saddles, The British Grooms Association, The Equestrian Employers Association and Caunton Mannor Stud.
The project is supported by British Equestrian and recognised by British Dressage, British Showjumping, British Eventing, the British Horse Society, the Pony Club and Horsescotland.
Image credits: SEH Photography