Does Horse Racing Have Hidden Mental Health Issues?

Horse riding has evolved through centuries to take on forms suitable to the persisting norms and attitudes. While the change has majorly attributed to the growth of the practice as a sport of horse racing or equestrian disciplines, in more recent times, mental health benefits have framed a noticeable base. The use of horses or horse riding for mental well-being has grown exponentially over the past few years.

According to Horses4Health, horse riding can reduce depression by 30%. Numerous studies have shown the benefits equine therapy has yielded for people in need. However, to the irony of the impact, for athletes and enthusiasts within the industry, at times, stands to lean otherwise.

A case for the base

BBC in the year 2020, released a story focusing on the mental health conditions of jockey Kevin Tobin and the trail it entailed. The case arrived following the demise of ex-jockey James Banks. It was a case of suicide that prompted Tobin to speak of the struggles of his own. “I wasn’t able to cope with [my] feelings. Racing constantly compares one person against another, one horse against another. I would do that, day in, day out. It made me angry, lonely, and frustrated,” the jockey added during his quitting announcement from the sport.

Horse racing was a staunch passion of Tobin and upon finally making it the jockey sought absolute elation. Or in his own words, “I’m in heaven, all my dreams have come true.” However, what followed along wasn’t the rainbows and butterflies Tobin set for himself. Many wins came for the jockey in the following years but what took precedence over the glory was the judgement of missteps and a chain reaction it brought along.

The factors out of focus

One of the first factors that horse racing athletes experience in the somber is the situation of losing a race or sometimes winning one as well. Tobin revealed that he felt vulnerable to being envious when he added wins to his name but also feared missing out. “When four of us were in the car driving to Ludlow on a Thursday, deep down I was really hoping the three of them didn’t win,” he recalls. What further constitutes the latter emotion is the hard work and reactions attached to each race. The strict dietary routines or a telling from the trainers and the race to get on the horses. Furthermore, the financial burden, the risk of falls and injuries, and the isolation build up a strong case against the pros.

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Now these combined adversely affect the athletes, or at least Tobin more specifically. However, it isn’t the individuality of these factors but a set of whole. Rising to negatively think of the identity one has set for oneself or has lived for most of their life sets an unforeseen situation. And in this battle, Kevin Tobin wasn’t alone. According to reports, jockeys are more than 2.5 times more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression than the general population and some have it end drastically.

More to the story

The horse racing industry more recently lost two of its talented jockeys to self-harm. Alex Canchari and Avery Whisman both bid their goodbye just weeks apart earlier in 2023. But the case hasn’t been a newer view. Numerous cases date back to the early 2000s or at least as much as the records hold. Michael Curran, James Bank, Liam Treadwell, and many more add to the list. However, today, following the growing list of situations, Ashley, sister to Alex Canchari, points out the little goodness that has come out of it: awareness. “But I’m glad more people are talking about it now,” she said, referring to mental health hush in horse racing. And backing her belief, governing bodies have indeed stepped forward to comprehend the situation.

What is being done?

Back in 2020, when Kevin Tobin opened up following James Bank’s demise, the Professional Jockeys Association came forward to acknowledge the persisting issue. The organization encouraged horse racing athletes to seek help and recognize the situation. According to the Racing Post, PJA has taken numerous measures in the past ten years to develop well-being facilities. Awareness campaigns, free access to sports psychologists, and link-ups with centers for free therapy and counseling make the list.

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“We’re doing an awful lot but you can never do enough. We need to do more and will continue to,” PJA Chief Executive, Paul Struthers says. The organization, alongside Racing Welfare, also runs 24-hour helplines and has been constantly working towards progress. As of now, the IJF plans to provide psychological services at its three rehabilitation centers and the former PJA Chief Executive has suggestions on the table. Assisting with future careers, keeping track of welfare post-retirement, and acknowledging the jockeys for future roles have been currently revealed by the BBC. Now, with the right mindset and ideas, the horse racing authorities have set themselves on a brighter path.