Kids from Showjumping Ireland Pony Awards Make powerful and heartwarming Mental Health Video with over 80,000 views in 16hrs.

The equestrian community is embracing a powerful movement, the “How Are Ya?” (HAY) campaign, igniting a crucial dialogue about mental health in the sport. This initiative marks a historic union of equestrian organisations, all rallying to support mental wellness and fostering an environment where open conversations about mental health are not just encouraged but celebrated. The campaign is powered by The Grassroots Gazette and Equitas with support from all governing bodies and associations. This week marks the launch of Equestrian Mental Health Week and the launch of Ireland’s first ever nationwide Equestrian Mental Health Survey.

The campaign’s impact was vividly showcased in a compelling video, produced by over 25 children from 2 to 16 years of age from the Showjumping Ireland Pony Awards, in support of Equestrian Mental Health Week. This heartfelt creation resonated across social media, quickly amassing over 80,000 views, symbolising the community’s robust support for the HAY Campaign.

This wave of support is further evidenced at the upcoming Showjumping Ireland National Pony Awards, where we celebrate not just the remarkable achievements of our young Show Jumping athletes but also the resilience, companionship, and mental fortitude that the sport nurtures. The evening promises to be a memorable one, with over 300 awards, children’s entertainment, a disco, raffle, and an auction. The significance of this event is heightened by the knowledge that every child will leave with more than just an award – they’ll carry with them a goodie bag filled with tokens of encouragement and support from the entire community, a testament to the collective commitment of our sponsors, members, and Equestrian Centres.

Sarah Jane Fagan captures the essence of the evening, stating, “In conjunction with funds raised on the night through our auction, a percentage of our proceeds this year will go towards the HAY ‘How Are Ya’ campaign. This initiative is crucial for raising awareness surrounding mental health issues among equestrians of all ages and levels.”

The sentiment of fostering a nurturing and positive environment for our young riders is echoed by Miriam Moloney, who passionately adds, “We are so excited to introduce our young equestrian riders to this campaign, believing it will foster positivity, confidence, friendship, and attitude awareness – essential ingredients for nurturing a healthy mind in a young person.”

Jennifer McGuire delves deeper into the unique challenges faced in the sport, highlighting, “Show Jumping, being mostly an individual sport, can be quite challenging. Riders often face harsh self-criticism. It’s vital to remember that while the highs can be exhilarating, dealing with the lows is equally important. This sport is a true leveller; one day you’re on top, and the next, you may find yourself starting over.”

Caroline McLaughlin touches on the often overlooked aspect of mental health in the equestrian sphere, stating, “While we focus extensively on the physical well-being of our horses and ponies, and celebrate the victories and accomplishments, it’s imperative to also recognize and attend to our own mental health and that of our children. Acknowledging the exhausting efforts it takes to keep going is crucial, and it’s comforting to know that support is available, especially during tough times.”

When speaking with Emma McCabe from Epic Marketing who are running the marketing for the event, Emma thoughts hit home “At Epic we know how high the highs are and how low the lows are in horse sport, we actively support the HAY Campaign to be there for one another through it all”.

The HAY Campaign, bolstered by the unwavering support of the Showjumping Ireland Pony Awards Committee, stands as a testament to the equestrian community’s dedication to not just physical prowess but also mental resilience. It’s a reminder that in the pursuit of excellence, caring for the mind is as important as training the body, ensuring that every member of our community feels supported through every jump, every stride, and every hurdle.

In conclusion, the collective voice of the seven mothers on the Pony Awards Committee — Miriam Moloney, Zelda Sheehan, Carole Reape, Jennifer McGuire, Ciara Buckley, Caroline McLaughlin, and Sarah Jane Fagan—echoes a powerful message: while the pursuit of excellence in equestrian sport is commendable, recognising and addressing the mental and emotional well-being of our athletes is paramount. The HAY Campaign, with its groundbreaking initiatives and widespread support, is paving the way for a more inclusive, supportive, and mentally resilient equestrian community.

Watch the Kids Video Here on YouTube:

Link to the Equestrian Mental Health Survey: https://forms.gle/ukKjfZXCn6UTo1qQA