Introduction to mental wellbeing
WELCOME TO BRITISH EQUESTRIAN AND SPORT IN MIND’S MENTAL HEALTH TOOLKIT
You can download the toolkit here:
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy and connection found through equestrian activities, which can have a profound impact on our mental health.
We’ve created this toolkit to promote mental wellbeing through the power of equestrian activities, so that we can all understand and support each other.
Equestrian centres across the UK offer a range of opportunities for anyone looking to be more active, spend time with horses and learn new skills. From therapy sessions and recreational riding to competitive training and volunteering, there’s a way for everyone to be involved.
Sport in Mind provides additional resources, workshops and community support to help everyone maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle and enjoy positive mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP – OUR JOINT MISSION
"We’re proud to unite our strengths and share a powerful joint mission – to transform lives through the harmony of equestrian activities and mental wellbeing.
Our collaboration aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone can experience the profound benefits of physical activity and the healing power of nature.
Together, we are committed to improving the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges through the joy and connection found in equestrian activities. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are dedicated to making these benefits accessible to all."
Jim Eyre, British Equestrian CEO
Neil Harris, Sport in Mind CEO
THE TRANSFORMATIVE BENEFITS OF BEING ACTIVE
Equestrian activities offer a unique advantage that sets us apart – the partnership with horses. The impact of horse riding, along with off-the-horse activities, on mental health is becoming increasingly evident.
Of the young people taking part in physical equestrian activities through the Together Fund, 82% said the project helped them manage their mental health: British Equestrian Together Fund Impact Report 2024
Some of the unique benefits of equestrian activity include:
- Calming the mind and lifting mood – The calm presence of horses can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Working with horses and being active provides a natural energy boost and improved quality of life.
- Building confidence and self-esteem – Gained from increased levels of physical activity connecting with horses and socialising with others around you.
- Connection with nature – Equestrian activity means spending more time outdoors and surrounded by nature which enhances overall wellbeing.
- Improved physical health – Horse riding and other off-the-horse activities count as physical activity, improving strength, balance, mobility and cardiovascular fitness.
- Encouraging mindfulness and concentration – Horses respond best when we’re present and calm. This encourages focus, mindfulness and better emotional regulation – skills that can help in everyday life, too.
- Supporting better sleep – Regular physical activity promotes better sleep quality.
- Sense of belonging – Equestrian activities bring people together, with shared passion and experiences developing strong community bonds.
LET’S TALK MENTAL HEALTH
Talking about mental health or mental illness can be daunting for many of us, but the truth is that 1 in 4 of us in the UK is affected by mental health problems each year – that’s approximately 15 million people.
Despite millions of us being affected each year, there’s still a great deal of misunderstanding about mental health, and speaking about this needn’t be seen as scary, taboo or something to avoid. The reality is, mental health conditions are part of everyday life and, at some point in our lives, all of us will be touched either directly or indirectly by mental health problems. This means that it’s important to speak openly about these conditions and find ways that work for us to help improve our mental health, such as being active – our particular favourite!
We’ve provided useful, bitesize knowledge about some common mental health problems, learn more in the next section.
