It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel. Some people will want to continue riding as normal, while others may temporarily lose confidence or find themselves replaying events in their minds. Both responses are entirely understandable.
One of the greatest strengths of the equestrian community has always been its willingness to support one another. Sometimes the simplest act of checking in with a friend, listening without judgement or encouraging someone to talk about how they are feeling can make a meaningful difference.
If you are struggling to process recent events or are finding that your confidence or mental wellbeing has been affected, please remember that support is available.
One of the greatest strengths of the equestrian community has always been its willingness to support one another. Sometimes the simplest act of checking in with a friend, listening without judgement or encouraging someone to talk about how they are feeling can make a meaningful difference.
If you are struggling to process recent events or are finding that your confidence or mental wellbeing has been affected, please remember that support is available.
Riders Minds is a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved in the equestrian industry. Their confidential support services are available to riders, owners, coaches, grooms, professionals and volunteers alike. They offer a free 24 hour helpline, text support, live web chat and a range of mental health resources designed specifically for people within the horse world.
British Eventing has also highlighted the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST) Helpline, which provides confidential emotional and practical support to members of the eventing community who may be affected by incidents such as these.
Reaching out for support is never a sign of weakness. Looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health, and talking openly about our feelings helps create a stronger, more compassionate equestrian community.
At Wolds Equine Rehabilitation & Training, horse welfare has always been at the heart of everything we do, but so too is the wellbeing of the people who care for them. We know that behind every horse is an owner, rider, student, coach, therapist or volunteer who invests enormous amounts of time, emotion and dedication into our sport.
On behalf of myself and everyone at Wolds Equine Rehabilitation & Training, we once again extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time.
If this week's events have left you feeling overwhelmed, please don't struggle in silence. Speak to someone you trust, lean on those around you and make use of the support organisations available. The equestrian community is at its strongest when we look after one another.
Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and remember that asking for help is one of the bravest things any of us can do.
Where to Find SupportIf recent events have affected you, or you simply need someone to talk to, please remember that support is available.
Riders Minds
Riders Minds is a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved in the equestrian community, including riders, owners, coaches, grooms, therapists, officials and volunteers.
They provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Free Helpline: 0800 088 2073
Text Support: 07480 488 103
Live Web Chat: Available through the Riders Minds website.
Website: https://ridersminds.org
Email: info@ridersminds.org
British Eventing Support Trust (BEST)
British Eventing has also highlighted the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST), which offers confidential emotional and practical support to members of the eventing community who may be affected by serious incidents or challenging circumstances.
24 Hour Helpline: 07780 008877
If You Need Immediate Support
If you feel you need urgent emotional support, or simply need someone to listen, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact NHS 111 (select the mental health option where available) or dial 999 in an emergency.
At Wolds Equine Rehabilitation & Training, we want all of our students, graduates and members of the wider equestrian community to know that looking after your mental wellbeing is every bit as important as looking after your physical health. If recent events have left you feeling anxious, upset or overwhelmed, please don't suffer in silence. Reach out, talk to someone you trust and make use of the wonderful organisations that exist to support our community. None of us should ever feel that we have to face difficult times alone.
British Eventing has also highlighted the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST) Helpline, which provides confidential emotional and practical support to members of the eventing community who may be affected by incidents such as these.
Reaching out for support is never a sign of weakness. Looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health, and talking openly about our feelings helps create a stronger, more compassionate equestrian community.
At Wolds Equine Rehabilitation & Training, horse welfare has always been at the heart of everything we do, but so too is the wellbeing of the people who care for them. We know that behind every horse is an owner, rider, student, coach, therapist or volunteer who invests enormous amounts of time, emotion and dedication into our sport.
On behalf of myself and everyone at Wolds Equine Rehabilitation & Training, we once again extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time.
If this week's events have left you feeling overwhelmed, please don't struggle in silence. Speak to someone you trust, lean on those around you and make use of the support organisations available. The equestrian community is at its strongest when we look after one another.
Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and remember that asking for help is one of the bravest things any of us can do.
Where to Find SupportIf recent events have affected you, or you simply need someone to talk to, please remember that support is available.
Riders Minds
Riders Minds is a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved in the equestrian community, including riders, owners, coaches, grooms, therapists, officials and volunteers.
They provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Free Helpline: 0800 088 2073
Text Support: 07480 488 103
Live Web Chat: Available through the Riders Minds website.
Website: https://ridersminds.org
Email: info@ridersminds.org
British Eventing Support Trust (BEST)
British Eventing has also highlighted the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST), which offers confidential emotional and practical support to members of the eventing community who may be affected by serious incidents or challenging circumstances.
24 Hour Helpline: 07780 008877
If You Need Immediate Support
If you feel you need urgent emotional support, or simply need someone to listen, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact NHS 111 (select the mental health option where available) or dial 999 in an emergency.
At Wolds Equine Rehabilitation & Training, we want all of our students, graduates and members of the wider equestrian community to know that looking after your mental wellbeing is every bit as important as looking after your physical health. If recent events have left you feeling anxious, upset or overwhelmed, please don't suffer in silence. Reach out, talk to someone you trust and make use of the wonderful organisations that exist to support our community. None of us should ever feel that we have to face difficult times alone.
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