By Shayce Johnston, LMHC
Let’s face it—life in the equestrian world isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a world where triumphs are hard-earned, every moment is fueled by passion, and the love of horses makes it all worthwhile. But behind the polished boots, ribbons, and trophies lies a reality that many don’t talk about: the toll it takes on mental health. The highs are exhilarating, but the lows? They’re heavy, isolating, and all too often ignored.
The Weight of the Ride: A Tale of Two Equestrians
Take Emma, for example. She’s a young competitor whose days start at 5 a.m. and end well after sunset. Between mucking stalls, schooling horses, and trying to maintain her grades, Emma feels like she’s running on empty. “I love my horse,” she says, “but some days it feels like I’m drowning. The pressure to win, to prove that I’m good enough, it never stops.” After a fall in the ring last year, Emma found herself questioning everything—her abilities, her goals, and even her love for the sport. Therapy helped her regain her footing, but the stigma around seeking help in the equestrian world still lingers.
Then there’s Carlos, a trainer with decades of experience. After years of balancing client demands, maintaining his business, and keeping his horses in peak condition, he hit a wall. “I started waking up every morning with this knot in my stomach,” he admits. “It wasn’t until my wife insisted I see a counselor that I realized how much stress I’d been carrying. I thought I had to shoulder it all alone.” Carlos now incorporates mindfulness exercises into his daily routine and encourages his students to talk openly about their struggles.
Stories like Emma’s and Carlos’s are more common than you might think. But for too long, the equestrian world has been bound by a “cowboy up” mentality that prioritizes pushing through over speaking up. That’s starting to change.
The Financial Strain
Horses aren’t just a passion—they’re an investment, and for many, an expensive one. Board fees, veterinary bills, show entries, transportation—it all adds up. Riders like Emma often juggle multiple part-time jobs or take on debt to stay in the game. Parents of young riders frequently make sacrifices to fund their children’s dreams, and professionals live under the constant pressure of needing results to make ends meet.
The financial strain ripples through the community. It’s not just about money; it’s about the emotional toll that comes with it. One bad performance, an unexpected vet bill, or a client who decides to leave can feel like the end of the world. For some, these pressures lead to burnout or even leaving the sport altogether.
The Physical Risks
Working with horses comes with inherent risks. Accidents happen. Whether it’s a fall in the ring, a kick in the barn, or the day-to-day wear and tear of barn work, the physical toll is undeniable. Safety measures have come a long way, but they can only do so much.
Emma’s fall, for instance, left her with not just bruises but also lingering anxiety. Every time she steps into the ring, a little voice in the back of her mind reminds her of what happened. Carlos’s story isn’t much different. Years of lifting hay bales and riding long hours have left him with chronic back pain that he tries to ignore. “It’s just part of the job,” he says, though he knows it’s more than that.
The Isolation of the Lifestyle
It’s easy to romanticize the equestrian life, but the reality is that it can be incredibly isolating. Long hours in the barn leave little time for socializing, and the demanding schedule—early mornings, late nights, weekends on the road—doesn’t help. For people like Carlos, who run solo operations in rural areas, the lack of meaningful human connection can be overwhelming.
Social media, while a lifeline for some, can also exacerbate feelings of isolation. The curated highlight reels of other riders’ successes can make it hard not to compare. Emma admits to feeling inadequate when she scrolls through Instagram. “It’s like everyone else is doing better than me,” she says. “It’s exhausting trying to keep up.”
The Pressure to Perform
Perfectionism runs deep in the equestrian world. Success often depends on precision and a near-telepathic bond with your horse. However, striving for perfection can come at a cost. Riders internalize mistakes, fear failure, and push themselves—and their horses—to the brink.
For younger riders like Emma, this pressure comes from all sides: parents, coaches, and even social media. For professionals like Carlos, it’s the knowledge that a single misstep could mean losing a client or damaging their reputation. The stakes are high, and the weight of those expectations can be crushing.
Breaking the Stigma
Thankfully, the tide is starting to turn. Organizations like the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) are stepping up to provide mental health resources, misconduct reporting tools, and education on the importance of well-being. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is advocating for jockey safety and mental health, while the Jockeys' Guild ensures riders have access to essential healthcare services. Equine America’s wellness initiatives are helping to open the conversation around mental health in the equestrian world.
Carlos now talks openly with his students about his experience with burnout, and Emma shares her journey with anxiety on social media. They’re part of a growing movement of equestrians who are challenging the stigma and proving that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Building Awareness and Support
Creating a culture of acceptance starts with conversation. Whether it’s sharing personal stories, like Emma and Carlos have, or advocating for resources within the community, every step forward makes a difference. Clinics focused on mindfulness and stress management are becoming more common, and organizations like the Equestrian Mental Health Network offer tailored support for the unique challenges riders face.
The USEF, HISA, and other associations are leading the way, but individual equestrians play a vital role, too. Checking in on friends, prioritizing self-care, and speaking out against the “cowboy up” mentality can help create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone.
Moving Forward
Ultimately, the partnership between rider and horse is built on trust, care, and understanding—qualities that equestrians should also extend to themselves. Emma’s fall didn’t end her love for riding, and Carlos’s burnout didn’t make him less of a trainer. By embracing mental health as an essential part of the equestrian lifestyle, the industry can move toward a future where riders and their beloved horses thrive.
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