A New Horizon for Mental Health: The Partnership between British Equestrian and Sport in Mind
Many would agree that the serene yet powerful nature of horses can be deeply therapeutic. Now, British Equestrian and Sport in Mind validate this belief through their innovative partnership, demonstrating how equestrian activities can significantly enhance mental wellbeing.
Equestrianism: Not Just a Sport but a Therapeutic Pathway
The equestrian realm effortlessly weaves together the thrill of competition with a profound sense of connection with animals and nature. Yet, as British Equestrian – the UK's national governing body for equestrian sports – recently highlighted, the benefits of equestrian activities stretch far beyond the track or field. In a striking new direction for the industry, they are stepping right at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing advocacy, powered by a partnership with leading mental health charity, Sport in Mind.
The Birth of the Partnership: Riding towards Recovery
This thought-provoking collaboration emerged from a successful project focused on exploring the impact of horse riding on those grappling with mental health issues. Over several months, participants underwent regular riding sessions led by trained instructors. Strikingly, the participants reported marked improvements in mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced self-confidence – indicating that horse-riding can indeed foster mental health improvements.
Expressing his enthusiasm about this partnership, Neil Harris, CEO of Sport in Mind, emphasized the unique mental health benefits gained from engaging with nature and animals, specifically through horse riding. "Horse riding provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and animals, which can have a profound impact on mental health," Harris said. "We're thrilled to be partnering with British Equestrian to expand our reach and offer more opportunities for people to experience these benefits."
More than Riding: Advocacy, Education, and Support
It is noteworthy that the partnership aims to achieve more than mental health improvement among riders alone. A significant part of their strategy involves raising societal awareness regarding mental health and promoting education on the subject. They plan to ensure that the equestrian workforce receives adequate mental health training to best support riders dealing with mental health concerns, creating a supportive community.
Quantifying the Benefits: The Need for Further Research
While physical activity, in general, has been widely recognized for its positive impact on mood and self-esteem, British Equestrian and Sports in Mind are curious to delve deeper. Developing a more nuanced understanding of the distinct psychological benefits of equestrian activities remains a key area to explore.
This curiosity echoes within the NHS, where there is an increased interest in the potential benefits equestrian-based sessions could offer patients suffering from mental health issues. In light of this, initiatives are underway to improve accessibility to these sessions, thereby making them a viable part of mainstream mental health treatment plans. Alongside this, e-learning resources are being designed to extend mental health education to a wider range of people, including equestrian professionals and enthusiasts.
Conclusion: A New Era for Equestrianism
The transdisciplinary partnership between British Equestrian and Sport in Mind boldly brings mental health and wellbeing into focus within the realm of equestrianism. This collaboration, while deeply impactful in individuals' lives, also contributes significantly to broader societal mental health awareness and education efforts. However, they do not intend to stop here - leading the charge for continued research, they hope to shed even more light on the landmark role equestrian activities could potentially play in mental health and overall wellbeing.
References:
British Equestrian.
Sport in Mind.
Mental Health and Physical Activity – Mental Health America.
Physical activity: brief advice for adults in primary care – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
What is Equine Assisted Growth and Learning? – Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.