The Jockeys Association and the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) on Tuesday held a first-of-its-kind symposium in Keeneland in an effort to spark discussion about how the Thoroughbred industry can work. come together to improve the mental health of equestrians across the country.
Retired NFL player Randy Grimes, who advocates for appropriate and accessible mental health and addiction-related resources for professional athletes, delivered the keynote and campaign speech. Retired jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva, who wrote the book “Riding for Freedom,” also spoke of her opinion. lifelong struggle with mental health and addiction and his goal is to help others, especially other horse racers, overcome similar difficulties off the track.
In addition, FGS Global shared the results of an anonymous survey of 230 equestrians recently conducted to assess mental health needs and identify the type of support resources and services. which will have the strongest impact.
The survey showed:
• 10% of equestrians describe their mental health as “poor”
• A third have had difficulty in their daily life in the past month due to feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety.
• 93% worry about financial stability and providing for the family
In addition, lack of financial security, weight gain, pressure to win and not having a living wage are among the biggest pressures horse riders say they face, with barriers to entry. Seeking help is the fear of losing a job and the general stigma of asking for help. .
“Jockeys’ Guild appreciates all of the jockeys who took the time to complete the survey,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of Jockeys’ Guild. “The number of responses just reiterates how important mental health and wellness are to our athletes. We also appreciate all the input and interest from industry participants in this first step towards addressing the mental health of jockey players. This is a very complex topic and there should be discussions like today about the best way forward. The ultimate goal is that we as an industry will be able to support and find solutions for not only riders but everyone in our industry.”
Potential sources that respondents expressed most interest in to help address their challenges include nutritional support services to help maintain weight safely, access to a psychologist sports education, career transition resources for retirement, and personal financial support.
“HISA’s responsibility for overseeing racing safety certainly includes the mental health of its athletes,” said Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA. “The results of this survey serve as a reminder of the many challenges that equestrian athletes face. We are grateful to all the riders who have shared their experiences and feedback, all of which will be crucial in our efforts to enhance the well-being of current and future riders. across the country.”
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged HE, jockey club, Keeneland, Lisa Lazarus, Terry Meyocks.
