The HAY Campaign: A Voice for Mental Health in Equestrian Life
The HAY Campaign is our commitment to making mental health a central conversation in the equestrian community. We aim to provide resources, break stigma, and create safe spaces for equestrians to reach out, share, and find help.
Create a safe, inclusive space for equestrians to share struggles and seek help.
Breaking the Stigma
Normalise mental health conversations and empower individuals to seek support.
Action Over Words
Push forward initiatives like Mental Health Week, surveys, and practical resources.
Empowerment Through Connection
Build genuine connections through initiatives like "Hay How Are Ya" and shared resources.
Key Achievements of the HAY Campaign
Hay How Are Ya Initiative
Encourages asking "How are you?" in the equestrian world and taking the time to listen. Thousands have shared stories using #HayHowAreYa, normalising mental health conversations.
Equestrian Mental Health Survey by Equitas
Highlighted specific challenges in the equestrian world. Key findings: 60% experienced mental health struggles, 40% feel unable to discuss challenges, 75% felt more stressed due to competition.
Equestrian Mental Health Week and Support
Equestrian Mental Health Week
The third Monday in January is HAY Monday. An annual weekly event with livestreams, interviews, discussions, and examining resources. Growing yearly with more partners and professionals involved.
Community Support
Backed initially by organisations like Horse Sport Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland, SJI, EI, DI, BHS and many more. We have Mental health experts, corporate partners, and volunteers sharing personal stories.
Expanding Impact
Continuously improving access to resources and creating more inclusive spaces in the equestrian community. We have to do more and we need to be more consistent in getting people struggling to talk and open up.
What's Next for the HAY Campaign?
1
Expanding Mental Health Resources
Develop more accessible, tailored resources including virtual workshops and self-care tools.
2
Ongoing Engagement
Keep the conversation alive year-round with more outreach, surveys, and community events.
3
New Collaborations
Form partnerships to amplify our message and ensure more equestrians have support.
4
Content and Stories
Launching a monthly mental health e-book for equestrians. 75% of all subscription payments will fund Mental Health Initiatives.
The Stats and the Problem
92%
Private Chat Line
We need an Equestrian chat line
7/10
Have Suffereed
From Mental Health Issues
90%
Feel Support is Needed
We need to do more
Call to Action
Get Involved
If you're a person or sponsor that wants to support mental health for equestrians nationwide, please reach out to us and be part of the solution.
Reach Out
If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek support. You're not alone in this journey. Talking is so important as is listening. Lets change the stigma together.
Join the Movement
Be part of the change. Use #HayHowAreYa to connect and support others. Send us a message on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook if you'd like to get involved. Email will be available soon.