The equine industry is demanding—long hours, physical labour, and financial strains can be incredibly tough. That’s why the HAY Campaign—How Are Ya?—is so vital. It’s about highlighting the mental health challenges we face and providing ongoing support.

Understanding the Challenges

Life in the equine world can be exhausting. We’re managing the daily care of the horses, ensuring they’re healthy and performing, and handling the business end as well. It’s a heavy load to manage especially when you have a family or another full-time job.

The Importance of the HAY Campaign

The HAY Campaign is here to tackle these mental health issues head-on. By raising awareness and providing resources, the campaign helps foster a healthier environment for everyone in the equestrian world. It’s all about making sure we’ve got the support we need to be the best we can.

“It’s so important to take care of your mental health. In dressage, you have to be mentally strong as it’s you and your horse and a huge level of trust and communication.”

• Charlotte Dujardin, British dressage rider and Olympic gold medalist

“Eventing is a tough sport, not just physically but also mentally. We go through highs and incredible lows. It’s crucial to have good mental health support around you.” – Pippa Funnell, British eventing champion

It’s not just about the immediate needs, we need long-term changes in the industry by advocating for better mental health policies, practices, and understanding. This helps ensure a healthier future for all involved in the equine world and that is exactly what the HAY Campaign will do. But we can’t do it alone, a wise woman by the name of Aoife Brady once said “It Takes An Army.”

Supporting Suicide Awareness Month Through the HAY Campaign

September is recognised globally as Suicide Awareness Month. It’s a time dedicated to giving people the tools to help prevent suicide, especially in the equine industry, where mental health often gets overlooked. The HAY Campaign steps up during this month with focused support for our community.

How to Participate

There’s a heap of ways to get involved. You can attend our Suicide Prevention Day event taking place September 10th, share what you learn online, or just have those real talks about mental health with your friends and family. The HAY Campaign urges us to look out for each other, this month and always.

Building a Community of Support

At the end of the day, the goal is to build a community where talking openly about mental health is the norm, and where everyone feels they have support. Linking Suicide Prevention Month with our day-to-day realities in the equine industry helps the HAY Campaign bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

This September, let’s all band together and focus on making mental health a priority for our industry. Every step we take with the HAY Campaign moves us closer to saving lives and getting support to those who need it most.

How You Can Help

Joining the HAY Campaign can make a massive difference. Whether you’re volunteering, sponsoring, or just spreading the word, every bit of effort helps set the tone for how we handle mental health issues now and in the future.

The HAY Campaign is a call to action for everyone around the equine industry. By getting involved, we help build a stronger, more supportive community. So let’s step up, join in, and make a change.

Business owners, join us, lend your support to amplify this cause. Sponsor our event taking place on September 10th for Suicide Prevention Day.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has…” – Margaret Mead

Final Word

My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by suicide. What you have gone through is incredibly tough for anyone. We must break the cycle.We have all been touched by mental health in one way or another—family, friends, loved ones, classmates, colleagues, stable mates, fellow equestrians. It’s time for change. The HAY Campaign invites everyone to join in their efforts to change the stigma around mental health and work towards significantly reducing suicides in the equine industry. Join us, support us, sponsor our efforts, and don’t forget; ask a friend or family member, “HAY, How Are Ya?” and take the time to listen.