Mental Health in Equestrian Sport

Abstract

Equestrian media is showing an increasing interest in the impact of mental health on performance and general wellbeing of equestrian athletes. This study explores the awareness of mental health difficulties and psychological wellbeing within equestrian sport from the perspectives of equestrian athletes, instructors/coaches and parents. The exploratory nature of the research offered opportunity to use a dual approach including e-surveys and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the qualitative data identified five key themes (Emotional Wellbeing in Balance; Emotional Wellbeing Imbalance; Wellbeing Imbalance—Impact on Equestrian Sportspeople; Impact of Equestrian Sport on Wellbeing; Regaining Balance) and 22 sub-themes. The findings determine a compelling need for education, promotion of sharing experiences, facilitation of specialist (clinical and sport) professional training and intervention as well as a review of regulations from equestrian Governing Bodies.

Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes

“…In equestrian sport, athletes uniquely depend on a partnership with a horse for success (Meyers et al , 1999). Equestrian sport culture, like many others, has only recently begun to appreciate the mental health challenges associated with the sport (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019). This research seeks to develop current awareness of mental health in equestrian athletes and inform efforts to promote positive mental health for this athlete population.…”

“…One should consider the potential negative impact of sport on well-being alongside the positive. Butler-Coyne et al (2019) found that participation in equestrian sport negatively impacted equestrian athletes’ well-being in several ways. Maintaining a “sport-life” balance was particularly challenging due to high time demands for training and associated financial pressures.…”

“…Maintaining a “sport-life” balance was particularly challenging due to high time demands for training and associated financial pressures. The risky nature of the sport influenced well-being via the perceived risk to the rider, and secondly through the psychological impact of horse injury and occasional mortality (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019). A perceived “well-being imbalance” in the equestrian athlete may contribute to higher perceived pressure, negative thoughts and emotions and inhibited performance (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019, p. 7).…”

“…The risky nature of the sport influenced well-being via the perceived risk to the rider, and secondly through the psychological impact of horse injury and occasional mortality (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019). A perceived “well-being imbalance” in the equestrian athlete may contribute to higher perceived pressure, negative thoughts and emotions and inhibited performance (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019, p. 7). Participants also perceived that involvement in equestrian sport enhanced their emotional resilience, through navigating the challenges of competitive equestrian sport and having to embrace adaptability in the face of these demands (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019).…”

“…A perceived “well-being imbalance” in the equestrian athlete may contribute to higher perceived pressure, negative thoughts and emotions and inhibited performance (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019, p. 7). Participants also perceived that involvement in equestrian sport enhanced their emotional resilience, through navigating the challenges of competitive equestrian sport and having to embrace adaptability in the face of these demands (Butler-Coyne et al , 2019). Resilience is the capacity to adapt successfully despite adversity and is considered a crucial element of an equestrian athlete’s ability to persevere through the inherent risks and adversities in their sport (Lungano et al , 2019).…”