The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Horse Racing: A Jockey's Story
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- 56 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Hidden mental health stands as one of the most dangerous yet overlooked challenges in horse racing. A world of silent suffering exists behind the colorful silks and thundering hooves, where jockeys battle depression, anxiety, and trauma. My career in racing has shown me this crisis up close.
People's focus stays on horses' physical condition while their mental problems take a back seat. The vital link between mental wellbeing and horse riding gets little attention. Horse therapy helps many people heal their mental health issues. Yet the sport's professionals often bear their struggles alone. Horses receive treatment for mental illness, but their riders rarely get the same care.
The Hidden Pressures Behind the Scenes
The world of horse racing hides a reality of intense psychological pressures that outsiders find hard to understand. Jockeys face daily challenges that weave a complex web and take a heavy toll on their mental health.
The emotional rollercoaster of wins and losses
Racing success comes and goes without warning. Sir Anthony McCoy put it well: "Sport is not a very level thing. It's not like going to work every day having a 9-5 job and the same things happen every day. When you experience the highs you're obviously going to experience the lows. It's coping with the lows that obviously is the most difficult part" [1].
This up-and-down nature creates an unstable mental state for jockeys. Harry Teal's experience speaks volumes: "I felt there was a tremendous amount of pressure put on me. I was going racing and thinking, I'm going to do things wrong... and then I would do them wrong. And then I'd feel worse because I'd got it wrong" [2].
The pressure shows up in stark numbers—87% of jockeys in a survey said they experienced "stress, anxiety or depression" within a year [2]. The need to stay at peak performance brings enormous strain. One jockey summed it up: "It's a very difficult sport. Mentally, this sport can drain you because you could be on top of the sky today, and tomorrow you're only as good as your last race" [3].
Mental illness in horses vs. mental illness in riders
The racing industry knows stress affects horse performance. Ethologists point out that stressed horses "perform less well on race days than in training" [4]. Trainers watch their horses' mental health closely, knowing it affects race outcomes.
Riders don't get this same attention. Racing culture still looks down on human mental health issues. A study found that three out of four jockeys never asked for psychological help after injuries, though they knew it would have helped [3].
This creates an odd situation where horses get special mental health care while their riders suffer quietly. The racing industry has started to see this problem—groups like the British Horseracing Authority signed the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation—but real support still falls short [5].
The loneliness of the racing lifestyle
Jockeys face deep isolation, yet few talk about it. "The life of a jockey can be a lonely one. Some come from South or Central America knowing no one, far from their families" [6]. This distance from home hits hardest during injuries or bad performance streaks.
Liverpool John Moores University researchers found jockeys struggled most with their work being "a lonely one, financially precarious and relentless in its demands" [2]. The racing lifestyle tears apart normal support networks—as Teal shared: "Relationships at home were falling apart, friends, family. I was distancing myself from everyone. I would go home and fall into a dark hole" [2].
Money worries make this isolation worse. Jockeys need rides to earn money, forcing many to race despite injuries or mental stress. Trainers often need other income sources, showing money problems run through the whole industry [7].
Physical demands—dawn starts, endless travel, and weight control—cut riders off from normal social life. Horse trainers work about 65 hours weekly, and two-thirds rarely take even one day off [8]. This packed schedule leaves no room for friendships or mental recovery.
Racing's culture values toughness over emotional openness. AP McCoy explained it best: "Jockeys find it hard to talk about mental health problems because there's this stigma of being really tough and being mentally strong and not having any weaknesses" [1]. Until this mindset changes, racing's lonely nature will keep taking its toll.
Injury, Recovery, and the Mental Spiral
Physical injuries in racing are easy to spot—broken bones, concussions, torn ligaments. The psychological wounds often leave deeper scars that last longer.
How injuries disrupt identity and purpose
Injuries shake a jockey's core sense of self. Studies reveal that mental health and injury have a two-way connection. Poor mental health makes injuries more likely, while injuries trigger mental health issues [9]. This creates a dangerous cycle for jockeys who build their entire identity around riding.
The mental toll hits hard—injured jockeys are 46 times more likely to experience depression than their healthy peers [10]. Many struggle because of what experts call "athletic identity"—how much they see themselves as athletes.
"I was afraid to stop because it was so much of my identity—I introduced myself as a jockey. I'd allowed all these things to define my self-worth," a former jockey shared [11]. This identity crisis often leaves riders feeling alone and forgotten.
Recovery brings its own mental challenges. More than two-thirds of injured racing staff battle high anxiety, while over half face depression [12]. These mental struggles make physical healing harder, trapping riders in a cycle that's tough to break.
The fear of fear: riding with anxiety
Racing creates a unique mental challenge that sets it apart from other sports—riders call it "the fear of having fear." Unlike other athletes who worry about getting hurt again, jockeys fear developing anxiety about riding itself.
"It's the fear of having fear. They know that if they are fearful, they cannot speak up about it, they feel like they must hide it," explained a researcher who studied multiple jockeys [3]. Riders now face a double burden—physical pain and the dread of losing their nerve, which can end careers in racing.
Anxiety makes both pain and recovery worse. Stress hormones amplify pain when anxiety runs high [12]. Riders often skip their rehab programs because they worry about what others might think [12].
Why some jockeys hide their pain
Racing's culture pushes riders to ignore injuries and pain. Many in the sport point to a troubling "injury minimalization culture" [12] that forces riders to keep going when hurt. This shows up in several ways:
Financial pressure: "There's a lot of pressure for them to return to riding, even if they are not feeling 100%. Racing is their livelihood to support themselves and often their families" [3].
Fear of replacement: One jockey put it bluntly, "I'm feeling very mad, mad because they don't care. They replace you very soon. You have an accident, and the next day another person is going to be over there" [3].
Cultural expectations: The sport rewards toughness and looks down on weakness—"Every champion jockey is portrayed as being made of iron. It's almost like tough people don't admit to their problems or, if they do, it might affect their careers" [11].
Hiding pain does more than slow physical healing. Many jockeys turn to dangerous solutions—those using prescription drugs for daily tasks show much higher rates of anxiety and depression [12].
Sometimes, the mix of physical pain, lost identity, and loneliness leads to thoughts of suicide. One study revealed a participant's suicide attempt after injury [3], showing just how serious this hidden crisis has become.
The Culture of Stigma in Horse Racing
A veteran racing professional's words paint a clear picture: "It is still a male-dominated sport, and men are not the best at talking about their emotions. In certain macho cultures, talking about your feelings is taboo." These words explain why mental health remains a shadowy issue in horse racing.
Why mental health is still taboo
The racing industry holds deep-rooted beliefs about toughness that clash with showing vulnerability. "Every champion jockey is portrayed as being made of iron. It's almost like tough people don't admit to their problems or, if they do, it might affect their careers" [11]. Jockeys fear their careers might suffer if they acknowledge psychological struggles, creating a dangerous cycle.
A jockey study revealed that those experiencing mental health issues faced two main obstacles: they needed to look strong in front of others and felt stigmatized about getting support services [10]. This resistance runs deep in the industry. Teams often minimize formal complaints about toxic behaviors to protect team morale [13].
The racing world's social media environment adds more psychological pressure to professionals who already struggle quietly. One industry insider pointed out: "When we're not looking at somebody face to face or speaking to somebody over the phone, we tend not to really care about the consequences of what we're saying or writing" [11].
How the 'tough it out' mindset harms riders
The racing industry's definition of toughness causes serious damage without doubt. One study showed more than 50% of jockeys met depression criteria [14], yet many work without support. Researchers identified "an injury minimalization culture within horseracing that needs to be challenged" [12].
Mental fortitude expectations run through the industry's core. The definition of "mentally tough" means jockeys must believe in themselves, stay resilient, focus under pressure, and push beyond perceived limits [15]. This mindset helps performance but makes it harder for jockeys to admit real psychological distress.
The numbers tell a troubling story. A study found that while almost 80% of jockeys showed signs of at least one mental health disorder, only 33% reached out for professional help [10]. People misinterpret vulnerability as weakness instead of strength.
Breaking the silence: small steps forward
Some promising initiatives have emerged among these challenges. The British Horseracing Authority signed the Mental Health in Sport and Recreation Charter with six key actions:
Using racing's influence to promote wellbeing
Adopting good mental health policies
Using diverse role models to reduce stigma
Actively tackling discrimination
Providing access to mental health support
Promoting positive public health messages [5]
Paul Struthers, a former jockey turned executive, created a Mental Wellbeing helpline that gives jockeys 24-hour support and quick access to qualified professionals. The initiative has helped 15 to 20 jockeys with face-to-face support since its launch [16].
Personal stories from respected figures have made a real impact. Irish-based jockey Mark Enright became one of the first to talk openly about his depression battle. His story inspired educational videos under the #JockeyMatters banner [16]. These resources target young jockeys and help normalize mental wellbeing conversations.
Sports psychologist Michael Caulfield shares a powerful message: "The world's best coach I've ever met in sport recently told me the greatest strength you have is to ask for help. In the past it was seen as a sign of weakness but that's total nonsense" [16]. The industry traditionally resists change, but this gradual shift in point of view marks important progress.
Support Systems That Can Make a Difference
The racing industry has built support systems to help jockeys facing mental health challenges. These resources have become lifelines for those who struggle in silence. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress in an environment that used to resist acknowledging psychological vulnerabilities.
The potential of jockey coaches as mental health allies
The Jockey Coaching Program (JCP) is a game-changer that puts coaches at the center of a support network with fitness trainers, sports psychologists, and nutritionists [17]. This program focuses on three most important areas: emotional wellbeing, mental health, and nutrition. Coaches build lasting relationships with riders and provide steady support instead of just helping during crises.
Tom Scudamore and other senior jockeys point out that help exists for those who know they need it [2]. Knowing when to ask for help remains the biggest problem. Coaches who can spot early warning signs become mental health allies and help connect jockeys with the right resources.
Mental health and horse riding: therapeutic intersections
The horses that jockeys work with have shown amazing results in mental health therapy for others. Equine assisted therapy has brought major benefits - it lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and reduces physical symptoms of anxiety and stress [18].
Equine therapy works differently than talk therapy and gives people a chance to express emotions without words. Horses mirror how humans act, which helps people who find it hard to state their feelings [18]. These benefits could help jockeys too, creating a healing connection between their work and personal lives.
Apps, hotlines, and confidential resources
The development of tech-based support systems for racing professionals shows real promise:
The Injured Jockeys Fund launched the Thrive app, an NHS-approved tool that gives anonymous mental health support with proven clinical techniques [19]
The Leafyard app in Ireland was a soaring win, with 24% uptake in the first 24 hours of launch [20]
The Victorian Jockeys Association created a wellbeing app that checks on mood, sleep, and job satisfaction through weekly surveys [21]
These digital tools work alongside 24/7 helplines like the Professional Jockeys Association's mental wellbeing partner Sporting Chance (07780 008877). Jockeys can reach out to mental health practitioners in complete confidence [22]. Since 2019, these services have helped about 15-20 jockeys with face-to-face support [16].
The Support Systems
A complete approach will drive better mental health outcomes in horse racing. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) acknowledged this challenge by signing the Mental Health in Sport and Recreation Charter [5]. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress.
Training programs for mental health awareness
Racing Welfare's subsidized Mental Health First Aid England courses benefit industry professionals [23]. The BHA's safeguarding unit, now 6 years old [24], must expand these initiatives. The creation of education modules that address consent, boundaries, and behavior standards shows promise and will start by April 2024 [24].
Policy changes to protect vulnerable athletes
The Mental Health Charter outlines six significant actions that promote wellbeing, adopt sound policies, and tackle discrimination [5]. The Horseracing Integrity Safety Authority's 24-hour mental health services support jockeys [3]. The BHA's mandatory DBS checks for specific roles [24] demonstrate the industry's commitment to protect vulnerable participants.
Long-term care for retired jockeys
Retired jockeys face anxiety or depression at rates 2.5 times higher than the general population [25]. This concerning data led to a cross-industry mental health working group that includes the Professional Jockeys Association, Injured Jockeys Fund, and BHA [25]. The industry needs a national evaluation and treatment center to address jockeys' unique mental health challenges [26].
Conclusion
Horse racing's mental health crisis shows how an industry that prizes physical toughness fails to protect its people's psychological wellbeing. This piece highlights how jockeys silently endure financial pressure, physical pain, and emotional isolation. Without doubt, these individual cases point to deeper systemic issues.
A troubling disconnect exists between the treatment of horses and their riders. The racing world meticulously monitors horses' mental health while human suffering goes unnoticed. On top of that, the industry's culture stigmatizes vulnerability. Many riders hide their struggles until they break down.
Signs of hope have emerged. Dedicated support systems through specialized apps and confidential helplines now provide crucial assistance to those who felt abandoned before. Jockey coaches have become frontline mental health allies. Industry organizations now recognize their duty to protect vulnerable participants.
We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress. Respected racing figures share personal stories that help normalize mental health discussions. New support programs break down barriers that kept jockeys from asking for help. The core team must complete significant work to address this hidden crisis.
The racing community needs to understand that true strength comes from seeking support, not suffering in silence. Jockeys should receive the same level of mental health care as the horses they ride - their lives depend on it. The sport's future requires a complete shift in understanding what "tough" really means in this ancient and beautiful tradition.
Key Takeaways on Hidden Mental Health
The horse racing industry faces a severe mental health crisis where jockeys suffer in silence due to cultural stigma and lack of support systems. Here are the critical insights every racing professional and fan should understand:
• 87% of jockeys experience stress, anxiety, or depression annually, yet only 33% seek professional help due to fear of career consequences and industry stigma around mental health.
• Injured jockeys are 46 times more likely to develop depression than non-injured counterparts, creating a dangerous cycle where physical and mental health deteriorate together.
• The racing industry treats horses' mental health better than riders' - equine psychological care is standard practice while human mental health remains taboo in this "tough it out" culture.
• New support systems are emerging with proven results - apps like Thrive and 24/7 helplines have already helped dozens of jockeys, showing technology can bridge gaps in traditional support.
• Cultural change requires industry-wide commitment - from mandatory mental health training to policy reforms protecting vulnerable athletes, systematic transformation is essential for lasting progress.
References
[1] - https://www.thegrapevineworks.com/pages/jockeys-and-mental-health[2] - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jun/28/horse-racing-helping-jockeys-tackle-mental-health-issues[3] - https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-study-focuses-on-improving-jockeys-mental-health-after-injury[4] - https://training.arioneo.com/en/psychology-and-welfare-of-racehorses-the-impact-of-stress-on-performan-2/[5] - https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/participant-welfare/mental-health/[6] - https://paulickreport.com/news/people/not-a-job-but-a-lifestyle-the-mental-health-challenges-facing-jockeys[7] - https://racingwelfare.co.uk/new-research-identifies-occupational-stressors-for-racehorse-trainers-in-great-britain/[8] - https://thegrassrootsgazette.ie/mental-health-and-training-racehorses-the-ugly-truth/[9] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8057557/[10] - https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/7/2/e001078[11] - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/53556569[12] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10649171/[13] - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9429797/Jockey-Club-faces-misogyny-racism-bullying-complaints-staff.html[14] - https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2019/0306/1034587-how-jockeys-cope-with-a-tough-and-demanding-sport/[15] - https://mentalnotespsych.com/a-jockeys-mindset/[16] - https://sportandrecreation.org.uk/news/how-jockeys-are-being-supported-to-have-good-[17] - https://careersinracing.com/jockey-coaching-program/[18] - https://www.priorygroup.com/our-services/types-of-therapy/equine-therapy[19] - https://injuredjockeys.co.uk/injured-jockeys-fund-mental-health-initiative-with-launch-of-new-thrive-app/[20] - https://sportforbusiness.com/mental-health-app-rolled-out-to-support-jockey-wellbeing/[21] - https://www.vrc.com.au/latest-news/racing-towards-wellbeing-innovative-app-hopes-to-transform-jockey-support/[22] - https://www.thepja.co.uk/service/mental-health-wellbeing/[23] - https://www.aroracing.co.uk/racing-welfare/[24] - https://media.britishhorseracing.com/bha/Safeguarding/Safeguarding_Human_Welfare_Strategy.pdf[25] - https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/study-retired-jockeys-highlights-importance-increased-mental-health-support/[26] - https://www.lawinsport.com/topics/news/item/hisa-and-jockeys-guild-announce-new-jockey-wellness-initiatives
